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Construction work on the Mbudzi Roundabout Interchange project in Harare is showing significant progress, at 53% completion.
On October 4, 2023, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development announced that the US$80 million project is now halfway complete and on track to be completed by March 2024.
This massive project is part of the government’s key infrastructure plans, making it one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the country at the moment.
The large and intricate work-in-progress structure is a significant civil engineering project, and it is essential that the massive reinforced concrete structure is securely attached to the bedrock and can easily withstand the continuous shaking from the thousands of vehicles that drive on it daily.
Flyovers and road interchanges are important in urban areas, as they increase traffic efficiency. Often complex design and engineering marvels, they provide a route for traffic to travel over a busy intersection, thus reducing congestion and improving safety.
Flyovers and road interchanges can also reduce air pollution, as they help to reduce the time that cars are idling at intersections. By improving traffic flow, they can also reduce the fuel consumed by vehicles. These interchanges are essential for modern urban areas, as they provide a safer and more efficient way of getting from point one destination to another.
Furthermore, road interchanges allow smoother transitions between two roads by providing access points from one road to another. They also are an alternative route when roads are impassable due to accidents or roadworks.
It is against the above background that on its completion, the new Mbudzi Interchange will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, allowing vehicles to move freely in all directions along the Simon Mazorodze Road and High Glen Road and Chitungwiza Road, and avoiding the long wait times that were previously common in the area.
The interchange is a major road infrastructure project transforming the congested Mbudzi roundabout into a modern two-level junction.
The project is in two phases. The first phase is the construction of the roundabout. This phase includes the construction of two bridges, as well as the construction of the roundabout itself. The second phase includes constructing two slip roads linking the roundabout to the nearby industrial area.
Residents are enthusiastic about the project since they are eager to see it completed. They expect the project to improve the overall road safety in the area, as well as, reduce travel times and improve access to the city of Harare.
The interchange is a milestone in Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure development and will positively impact the country’s economy and development.
It will also create increased access to the nearby industrial areas of Waterfalls, New Ardbennie and Southerton, as well as improved access to the city of Harare.
The intersection of the Harare-Masvingo highway at the Mbudzi roundabout is under improvement to an interchange that will connect High Glen, Simon Mazorodze, and Chitungwiza roads.
The interchange complements the Harare-Beitbridge highway rehabilitation project. These two projects will facilitate smoother and swifter transportation of people and goods along the North-South corridor to and from South Africa.
Undertaking works at the interchange project is the TEFOMA Consortium, a grouping of three contractors, namely Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting and Masimba Construction.
Once completed, the interchange will become one of the most modern civil engineering marvels in Zimbabwe and the southern African region.
Text by Martin Chemhere
