Motorists welcome intersection reopening

HARARE motorists expressed gratitude following the reopening to traffic of the Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way intersection.

The reopening followed the completion of major construction works on the bridge which is home to the historic Mbuya Nehanda statue.

Motorists who spoke with The Herald said they were happy that the intersection had been reopened.

Mr Musa Nare of Harare said: “This intersection is key to smooth traffic flow. I am sure you would have seen from the congestion that followed its closure.

“Traffic congestion had become the order of the day on many roads, including Leopold Takawira Street and Herbert Chitepo Avenue as motorists sought to navigate their way out of town.

“Today (yesterday) has been generally fine as motorists had many options following the reopening. I hope the congestion of recent days is eliminated while I also pray that the Government expedites the widening of roads and construction of flyovers to effectively deal with congestion,” said Mr Nare.

Another motorist, Ms Nancy Madzivanzira of Mabvuku said: “It is refreshing to have this intersection reopened to traffic. I was dreading getting into town in the mornings and evenings.

“I thank the Government for the construction works done at this intersection. It shows that the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa is living true to its promise of transforming infrastructure in the country.

“We want to see more of these developments, especially flyovers so that we reduce congestion.”

After the reopening of the intersection, Leopold Takawira reverted to being a one-way street.

It had been converted into a twoway street during the period when construction works were underway to allow smooth flow of traffic.

However, given the amount of time it had taken to complete the works, some motorists had to be given special assistance as they were still under the impression that it is still operating as a two-way street.

Despite a bit of confusion here and there that will perhaps take a few days, motorists still needed to be assisted to pick the right lane.

Pedestrians pleaded with Government to conclude the works at the footbridge so that it is opened to the public, in a development that will reduce cases of people being hit by vehicles as they cross the roads.