Emmanuel Kafe
A STUDY commissioned by the Harare City Council concluded that 132 accidents occurred at the confluence of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen roads between 1992 and 1998.
As the city’s vehicle population continued to grow, the council devised a plan to decisively address the problematic traffic intersection.
It decided to develop a large traffic circle at the junction to manage the flow of traffic from these three major roads.
This resulted in the construction of the traffic circle that later became known as the Mbudzi Roundabout.
Almost a quarter of a century later, the Mbudzi Roundabout had outlived its purpose.
For many, navigating the traffic circle had become a revolting test of patience.
It had become a notorious bottleneck that choked the flow of traffic and strangled commerce. Its design could no longer handle the ever-increasing volume of vehicles.
Peak-hour commutes turned it into a seething mass of cars, buses and haulage trucks, all vying for limited space, resulting in a suffocating gridlock.
Journeys that should have taken minutes stretched into agonising hours.
In some cases, frustration levels soared as tempers flared. This intersection is a key part of the North-South Corridor, as it links Harare to traffic from South Africa.
As a result, the gridlock at the roundabout severely impacted the movement of goods and people across the region. Businesses suffered from delayed deliveries and the overall economic activity of the city felt the strain.
In short, the Mbudzi Roundabout was a symbol of inefficiency and a major hurdle to progress.
Change on the horizon
In 2021, the Government launched an ambitious project to replace the roundabout with a modern traffic interchange.
The Mbudzi Traffic Interchange is now a sprawling marvel of engineering genius strategically positioned at the confluence of the three major roads — Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen roads.
An investment of about US$88 million is being poured in to develop the first-of-its-kind interchange.
Resident engineer Emmanuel Dube says significant progress has been made in developing the interchange, with over 67 percent of the project complete.
“The work is now 67 complete and the major works remaining are earthworks and civil works,” he said.
The onsite transformation is now evident.
Imposing concrete pillars and support structures are in place.
Earthworks, utility relocation and site preparation are substantially complete, paving the way for the development of a complex network of 15 bridges. Six bridges are already nearing completion, with pre-stressed beams being readied for others. The intricate road network connecting the interchange to surrounding highways is also taking shape.
“Bridges 1,3, 4 and 5 are now at deck level and pre-stressed beams on bridge three are now available and are being moved from Mt Hampden and coming on site.
“The other nine bridges are close to deck and will be finished soon,” said Eng Dube.
In bridge construction, “deck level” refers to the stage where the main driving surface for traffic has been completed.
This is the flat surface that vehicles travel on when crossing the bridge.
It typically consists of a concrete slab or steel plate supported by the bridge’s girders or beams. The Glen Norah Loop, a vital section of the project, is 85 percent complete.
A loop is a specific type of on-ramp or off-ramp that allows for smoother traffic flow and eliminates the need for turns across opposing traffic.
A loop ramp bypasses the main intersection of the interchange, allowing traffic to enter or exit the highway without needing to directly cross oncoming traffic lanes.
This eliminates the need for traffic lights or stop signs specifically for turning movements, improving overall traffic flow and reducing congestion. Upon completion, the interchange will boast 12 kilometres of paved roads within a 9-square-kilometre radius, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic.
Outstanding
While the Mbudzi Traffic Interchange project has made significant progress, there still remains much work ahead.
Completion is expected by the end of 2024, barring any unforeseen challenges.
Focus, however, remains on finalising completion of the remaining bridges, said Eng Dube.
With some of the pre-stressed beams already on site, developers are now focusing on finishing the remaining bridges.
They will soon start laying the road surface and installing essential safety features like guardrails and signage.
In addition, work is ongoing to conclude network integration and develop modern aesthetics around the interchange.
Network integration refers to the process of seamlessly connecting the new interchange with the existing road network.
This involves physically connecting the ramps and lanes of the interchange to the existing roads. This may involve the construction of new on-ramps, off-ramps and auxiliary lanes to handle increased traffic volume.
In the case of the Mbudzi Traffic Interchange project, network integration will involve connecting the new interchange with Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen roads.
The total cost, US$88 million, has been broken down into US$65 million going towards the interchange structure itself and US$23 million being allocated for vital works such as detours, relocation costs and professional fees.
Empowering local expertise
This project highlights the Second Republic’s commitment to positioning Harare as a thriving regional economic hub.
Crucially, the Government entrusted this project to a consortium of Zimbabwean companies. Funding has been sourced from local financial institutions, while construction is being undertaken by Tefoma Construction, a joint venture of three local infrastructure development companies — Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting and Masimba Construction.
Experts say this strategic decision to contract local firms showcases the Government’s confidence in the nation’s technical expertise and presents a major opportunity for Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development capabilities.
It is envisaged that local companies will not only gain valuable experience, but this will also have a ripple effect across the industry, as smaller sub-contractors and suppliers are brought in, fostering collaboration and growth within the sector. So far, the project has created direct employment for over 700 people, and thousands of others in downstream activities.
A brighter future
The Mbudzi Traffic Interchange project is poised to transform Harare’s transportation landscape, with the notorious gridlock of yore set to be a thing of the past.
Experts say the interchange will significantly reduce congestion, leading to shorter commute times for residents.
While the Mbudzi Roundabout design often led to accidents due to conflicting traffic movements, the interchange is designed in a way that will separate different types of vehicles with dedicated lanes and ramps. This physical separation reduces the risk of accidents.
Crucially, the interchange, positioned at a critical junction for regional traffic, will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people. This will result in an improved logistics network that will benefit commerce by reducing transportation costs and delays, ultimately enhancing the city’s economic competitiveness.
Experts say efficient traffic flow can spur development in surrounding areas.
With reduced congestion, businesses may be more likely to establish themselves near the interchange, creating job opportunities and economic activity. Ultimately, the successful completion of the Mbudzi Traffic Interchange project will stand as a symbol of Harare’s modernisation and progress, showcasing the city’s ability to tackle complex infrastructure challenges.
Taking a leaf from neighbours
Harare’s interchange is among the many signature infrastructure projects that have been undertaken in the region in recent years. In South Africa, The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project was launched in 2007 to ease increasing congestion in Gauteng, the neighbouring country’s most populous province.
The project’s primary objective is to alleviate the ever-increasing traffic congestion plaguing Gauteng’s freeways.
This is set to be achieved by widening existing lanes, constructing new freeways and improving interchanges.
The project is still under development.
Similarly, in Namibia, the Windhoek Northern Bypass project has been a game-changer, rerouting heavy traffic away from the city centre and easing congestion in the capital.The Mbudzi Traffic Interchange, therefore, represents the Government’s commitment to free Harare from the shackles of a chocking gridlock.
Overall, the interchange is poised to become a gateway, not just for traffic, but for a more connected and dynamic capital city.
