MBUDZI INTERCHANGE SET TO BE OPERATIONAL BY JULY 31
THE Mbudzi traffic interchange, featuring 13 bridges on site and two more on associated roads, is now 55 percent complete and expected to be operational by July 31.
The 15 bridges are all at various stages of completion.
The Government has committed US$88 million to upgrade the former roundabout and reduce congestion, with US$45 million currently spent on the project.
More than 700 people found employment on the site, with an estimated 10 000 additional downstream opportunities created.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, praised the Government for prioritising infrastructure development, and urged people not to spread misinformation about compensation being paid to those relocated for the works.
Addressing journalists after a media tour of the interchange, Minister Mhona contractors will soon start working round the clock to ensure the target date is met.
“With the progress that I have witnessed here, I am sure that the project will be completed soon,” he said.
“We are working on relocating residents and so far 95 have been relocated to Hatcliff, so as it stands we do not have a compensation fund specifically for that purpose, but we have been getting funds from Treasury so make sure that everyone who is affected is compensated.”
Mbudzi roundabout had been a major choke-point of southern Harare before the Government committed resources to turn it into a multilevel interchange as the Government continues to upgrade infrastructure to cope with modern demands and trends.
Some of the benefits of the project include decongestion of the Mbudzi area by creating streamlined and efficient traffic flow, and reducing transit time and accidents in the area.