Story by Panashe Mwanandimai
REHABILITATION of the Chitungwiza Road linking the dormitory town to the Trabablas Interchange is underway, in a move expected to ease persistent traffic congestion along the busy route.
Motorists and commuters have long endured delays, with some spending more than two hours in traffic, particularly during peak periods stretching into the evening.
“We are happy the road is being fixed. Sometimes we spend hours in congestion, but this initiative will allow us to reach home early, help our children with their homework, and see our wives on time,” said one road user.
Public transport operators said the congestion has been affecting service delivery and commuter schedules.
“We have been facing traffic congestion problems from the afternoon up until 10 pm. As transporters, we ferry people to Eyecourt, so the traffic congestion is affecting us because people arrive late,” said a transporter.
Informal traders also highlighted the challenges posed by the gridlock, particularly in accessing markets and crossing the road safely.
“I sell across the road. The congestion is affecting me because after work, I find it difficult to cross the road, especially with my cart carrying products,” said a vendor.
Government has since moved to address the situation, with works to widen and resurface the road now in progress.
“We are happy with what we are witnessing. The road is being rehabilitated, making it easier for us to carry out our work without delays. We thank the Government for this initiative,” another road user said.
The project forms part of the Second Republic’s broader road infrastructure programme, which includes major works such as the Trabablas Interchange and the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway.
Under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), infrastructure development remains a key priority as Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy.
