Mnangagwa officially opens Trabablas roadworks to motorists, promises six more interchanges in Harare
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced an ambitious expansion of Harare’s road network that includes the construction of new multiple interchanges and deployment of smart traffic systems.
Mnangagwa was delivering his remarks at the official opening of the Trabablas Interchange, formerly Mbudzi Roundabout, where he said two additional interchanges will be built along Simon Mazorodze Road.
The interchange links three key roads— Simon Mazorodze, High Glen, and Chitungwiza and includes the construction of 15 major bridge structures, with some rising as high as 18 meters above ground.
“Processes for the construction of two more interchanges along this road are underway. These will be at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze and Willowvale Roads, as well as Simon Mazorodze and Remembrance Drive.
Mnangagwa also said four more interchanges will be built at busy road points across Harare, including Mabvuku Junction, several spots along Harare Drive, and at major traffic circles like Westgate and Kuwadzana.
“Additionally, four interchanges will also be constructed at the Mabvuku Junction; Harare Drive/Mutare Road; Harare Drive/Liberation Legacy Way; Nemakonde Way/Harare Drive; Sam Nujoma/Harare Drive; Westgate Traffic Circle; Kuwadzana Traffic Circle and Churchill/Liberation Way,” Mnangagwa said.
He also added that nine junctions along Harare and Bulawayo Airport Roads will also be upgraded, and smart traffic systems will be used to improve traffic flow and road discipline.
“Nine junctions shall be updated as part of the J. M. Nkomo Road (RGM International Airport Road) upgrade to grade separation structures.
“In addition, smart traffic management systems are now also in place and will be deployed towards optimising traffic flow through intelligent systems. The roll out of these systems must be publicised and see greater discipline on our roads.”
Although the long-delayed project is now complete, its high cost reported at US$88 million has sparked public and parliamentary debate, with calls for an audit to clarify how the funds were used, as many accuse the government of massive looting. _*NewZimbabwe*_
