Story by Wellington Makonese
THE completion of the Trabablas Interchange has significantly improved traffic flow along the busy Harare-Masvingo corridor, bringing relief to motorists who for years endured severe congestion at the former Mbudzi Roundabout.
For a long time, the junction was a major traffic bottleneck, with long queues regularly costing commuters productive hours, particularly during peak periods and the festive season.
The area, which also served as a busy bus terminus, was often characterised by congestion and safety concerns, with passengers struggling to disembark amid heavy traffic.
The new interchange, with its flyovers and redesigned road network, has transformed the once chaotic junction into a more efficient and safer transport hub.
Motorists who use the route daily say the project has turned what was previously an unpredictable and time-consuming commute into a smoother journey.
For Lawrence Itai Marowa, who has driven the Harare–Johannesburg route for more than a decade, the change has been immediate and tangible.
“Sometimes I would take almost four hours just to clear this junction and get into town. It affected my work and increased my costs,” he said.
With traffic now moving freely through the interchange, Marowa said travel times have been drastically reduced, resulting in lower fuel consumption and improved work efficiency.
“Now it’s a matter of minutes. I save fuel, I deliver on time, and I get home earlier. It has really changed my life. There is also a greater sense of security, as accidents used to be the order of the day,” he added.
The Trabablas Interchange is now easing daily commutes, improving road safety, and enhancing the overall efficiency of one of the country’s busiest transport corridors, underscoring the impact of modern infrastructure on everyday livelihoods.
