Construction of Mabvuku interchange begins

July 28, 2025 MrBarns 924 Views 0 Comments

Construction of the Mabvuku Traffic Interchange is now underway, with bush clearing and the creation of detour roads in progress as Government continues on the path of revamping and modernising key infrastructure projects across the country.

Simultaneously, work on the Christmas Pass bypass in Mutare is also in full swing with bush clearing operations afoot.

The construction of the traffic interchange along the Harare-Mutare Road, comes just a few months after President Mnangagwa officially opened the Trabablas Traffic Interchange, a landmark piece of local architectural genius that connects three major roads, Simon Mazorodze, High Glen and Chitungwiza.

The project involved the construction of 15 major bridge structures, some as high as 18 metres above the ground.Across the country, more such interchanges are in the offing in response to growing populations, both human and vehicular.

Along the Harare-Mutare Road, construction workers are hard at work on one of the major choke-points of traffic heading in and out of the capital city Harare.

This development comes after several accidents were reported at the Mabvuku turn-off, resulting in loss of life and also causing long, winding queues during peak hours on the highway.

In a recent press statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said the Mabvuku Interchange will change the face of Harare and economy at large.

“These detours will ensure smooth traffic flow as we work towards enhancing this critical infrastructure upgrade. The Mabvuku Interchange Project will deliver significant benefits, including smoother traffic flow through reduced congestion at this critical junction enhanced safety with a modernised design to minimise accidents, and faster travel times for both commuters and freight transporters.

“Additionally, the improved connectivity will provide an economic boost by facilitating trade by supporting local businesses, while the infrastructure’s future-proof design ensures it can accommodate growing demand and long-term development needs.”

The Mabvuku turn-off, notoriously dubbed the ‘Turn-off of Death,’ was steeped in stories of the supernatural, including demons, vampires, and ghosts, as well as bizarre tales of zombies and extraterrestrials, as peope tried to explain the causes of accidents in the zone.

In Manicaland, the Christmas Pass route, a key transport corridor linking Mutare to other major regions will have a bypass road which will primarily serve to redirect heavy haulage traffic away from the Pass.

Once completed, the bypass will provide a smoother, safer, and more efficient alternative for heavy haulage, reducing travel time and supporting regional trade.

Motorists and local residents yesterday welcomed the projects, saying they were eager to see an end to the perennial traffic jams and road accidents that have plagued the area for years.

“People are just superstitious,” Clive said. “Once the interchange is complete, I’m certain that accidents won’t occur as frequently as they used to.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Government, saying more interchanges should be built.

“Most of the accidents that occurred here were attributed to human error because people simply didn’t want to give each other way, so this is a very good move, and it should be the norm across major intersections.”

A motorist who only identified herself as Alice said: “This was long overdue. I am glad the Government is taking action to address the congestion and safety concerns at this notorious turn-off. It will make a huge difference for us motorists.”

For Cosmas Makiwa, another motorist, the hope is to see the project completed in the shortest possible period.

“We are ready to endure the temporary inconvenience because this is a project that will bring long-term benefits to everyone.”