By Julius Idrissa Manganda
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday officially commissioned the Trabablas Interchange—formerly known as the Mbudzi Roundabout—in Harare, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s ongoing infrastructure development drive.
The Trabablas Interchange is a state-of-the-art, multi-level junction designed to transform traffic flow in southern Harare. Located at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads in Harare, the Interchange has 15 bridges, 13 on the site, one on Amalinda road and the other one along Harare drive.
The Interchange aims to ease the severe congestion that had long plagued the area, offering a modern solution to one of the capital’s most persistent transport bottlenecks. It is also a pioneer project into the next level of infrastructure development standards, which aims to widen roads in sync with developed world to accommodate the rising volume of traffic.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Mnangagwa expressed delight at the project’s completion, emphasizing that road infrastructure development remains a top priority under the Second Republic. The project aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate Zimbabwe to upper-middle-income status by the end of the decade.
“The Development of this infrastructure we are witnessing today, has resulted in decongestion and reducing accidents and removing the frustration of delays and loss of time.
“We have constructed 15 major bridge structures, some of the bridges are as high as 80 metres from the ground and 13 are on site here at the interchange and 2 on amalinda road and Harare drive,” said President Mnangagwa.
“It is indeed evidence of the commitment by our ruling Zanu pf party, to deliver on promises made to the people of our land Zimbabwe, as the second republic decisively advancing transformation of our national infrastructure,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s geographical location makes the interchange a crucial hub for regional connectivity. Zimbabwe is a vital link between neighboring countries and the global market.
The interchange is expected to yield far-reaching benefits, including enhanced trade opportunities, job creation, and an improved quality of life for both commuters and local residents.
The project has already had a notable impact on the local economy and community, particularly through employment opportunities in construction, engineering, and related sectors.
To date, more than 2,000 local workers have been employed across various roles, including engineers, support staff, and personnel in administrative, logistical, and management functions.
Additionally, the project has injected significant financial resources into the local economy through wages, procurement of materials, and operational expenses.
This has stimulated economic activity, benefiting local businesses such as suppliers, contractors, and service providers, and contributing to broader community development.
The renaming of the Mbudzi Roundabout to Trabalas Interchange is a nod to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s liberation war name Trabablas Dzokerai Mabhunu in honour of his leadership and commitment to Zimbabwe infrastructure development.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to overall road infrastructure development.
“The construction of this interchange is not an isolated project, it is part of my government plan to ease congestion across all cities. We are widening major road leading into the central business district which will be complimented by creating appropriate interchanges at major inter sections.
“Transport infrastructure is singled out as one of the critical enablers for economic growth for development, for industrialization and for mordenisation,” said the president.
