Residents hail progress at Mbudzi Interchange

RESIDENTS and vendors in Harare’s southern suburbs have praised the Government for progress made so far at the Mbudzi interchange, which is expected to be opened by July 31.

Currently at 55 percent completion, residents have said the interchange will eliminate traffic congestion and reduce travel time from the CBD.

In addition to improving major highways and reducing the amount of accidents, a suggestion has been made that designated selling areas be created for vendors, along with the repair and maintenance of mechanical faults for buses and trucks.

Glen View resident, Victor Gotami, said it was his hope that the project will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

“I would like to applaud the Government and the contractors for this project.

“It is my hope that it will be completed soon as it will promote more businesses and the smooth flow of traffic in this area.

“Accidents are also going to be reduced when this interchange is completed,” he said.

Adwell Gumede, from Glen Norah C, said progress slowed during the rainy season, but contractors were now moving fast.

“I come to this area almost every day and from my observation, during the rainy season, progress slowed, but now they are moving fast.

“We applaud what the Government is doing as it is bringing development to our area.

“This development is sitting right where the residents benefit directly as it also improves the country’s major highway.

“This place was a business centre for most of the people and it is my hope that the interchange will be completed soon,” he said.

A vendor, Kudzai Banda, said it was her hope that once the interchange is completed, they will be allowed to sell their wares at designated selling points.

“Most of the people in and around this area survive on vending in this area and my plea to the Government is that it will allow us to continue selling our wares along this major highway at designated selling points.”