Story by Owen Mandovha
HARARE – THE Trabablas Traffic Interchange has brought seamless traffic flow in Harare, demonstrating the immense capacity of Zimbabwe to create its own world-class infrastructure that resonates with an upper middle-income society by 2030.
Once a notorious traffic bottleneck plagued by gridlock, muggings, and fatal accidents, the section of the Harare-Masvingo highway has now been transformed into a modern interchange, much to the relief of both motorists and pedestrians.
Motorists who once spent over three hours navigating the chaos at the intersection have expressed deep appreciation for the development.
“I know a lot of people who were murdered here because of the confusion, and we are now happy that the President created this masterclass,” a motorist said.
“The President has done very well and he continues to do wonders and we can safely pass through this place,” a pedestrian added.
Fossil Contracting Chief Executive Officer Obey Chimuka assured the nation of world-class workmanship and quality in constructing the gigantic structure.
“We followed all laid down procedures in designing the bridges and sought qualified personnel to undertake the key functions that led to this work. Tests were being done in laboratories for strength of quality and steel structures were also tested rigorously to come up with this important structure.”
Local contractors have demonstrated immense capacity to drive Zimbabwe’s growth.
The Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Joylin Zindaga commended the government for its confidence in local expertise.
“We are grateful that government has shown trust in us to carry out infrastructure projects in the country,” she said.
“We were given the task of landscaping on this project, and we have garnered immense experience even to carry out major projects in the country,” Trends Contracting’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alfred Ndhlebe said.
The important milestone marks another key milestone in creating economic enablers to drive the country’s national development agenda.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona noted that the signature project paves way for massive transformation of road network in Harare and other cities.
“The Second Republic continues to enhance infrastructure development, and this project will see other similar being implemented in the future and we will witness more interchanges in the city. The Second Republic remains resolute in creating world-class infrastructure that resonates with an upper middle-income society,” he said.
In a record time, the Second Republic has modernised one of Southern Africa’s gateways into Africa which started with the upgrading of the Beitbridge Border Post, the rehabilitation and dualisation of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway and the commissioning of the Trabablas Traffic Interchange which harnesses economic and trade activities in the country.
