Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
CONSTRUCTION of the Msasa-Jaggers Interchange at the junction of Harare Drive and Mutare Road has commenced, with Government targeting completion of the project by November this year as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the capital.
The Msasa-Jaggers road section has been closed to traffic to facilitate works under the Greater Harare Interchanges Programme, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow along some of Harare’s busiest transport corridors.
The project comes as authorities seek to address persistent congestion along the Harare-Mutare Highway, particularly at key intersections such as the Mabvuku Interchange and the Msasa-Jaggers Roundabout, which have become major bottlenecks during peak periods.
Government began work on the Mabvuku Interchange last year, with visible progress already recorded. Focus has now shifted to the Msasa-Jaggers Roundabout, where construction of an overpass officially began on 1 June.
Motorists who frequently use the route welcomed the development, saying the project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement despite temporary disruptions caused by diversions.
“This road has been a challenge for us. At least now that work has started, we hope our travel times will be reduced,” said one motorist.
“We hope they will finish the work quickly,” another motorist said.
Government says all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
“We officially diverted traffic yesterday to allow construction works to begin. We are building an interchange that will separate traffic flows. The Harare-Mutare Highway section will be elevated to separate it from Harare Drive. We are targeting completion by November 2026,” said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s Deputy Director for Construction, Engineer Virginian Mawere.
“The reason we started on 1 June is that we wanted to ensure all the required materials were available on site, given that this is a very busy road. We are committed to the project and assure the public that we will do everything possible to meet the deadline,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities say construction of the Mabvuku Interchange remains on course, with completion expected by September.
“The Mabvuku Interchange is progressing well, and we are confident that we will meet the September deadline. We have all the resources required to ensure delivery within the set timeframe,” said Engineer Mawere.
Government says all critical resources required for the Greater Harare Interchanges Programme are now in place and remains confident that both projects will be delivered according to schedule.
