The completion of the Trabablas Interchange in Harare marks a transformative milestone in the city’s infrastructure development, easing decades-long traffic congestion at one of the capital’s most problematic intersections. What was once known as the chaotic and gridlocked Mbudzi roundabout has now become a symbol of order, efficiency, and modern urban planning.
Previously, the Mbudzi roundabout was a notorious bottleneck, plagued by traffic jams that often stretched for kilometers. The area had become a hub of informal trading activity, with fruit and vegetable vendors spilling into the roads, furniture dealers occupying lanes with oversized items, and pirate taxis weaving dangerously through traffic. Pedestrian safety was compromised, and road conditions steadily deteriorated as enforcement proved impossible in such disarray.
But the landscape has dramatically changed. The newly constructed, multi-million-dollar Trabablas Interchange has replaced the chaos with smooth, flowing lanes, dedicated pedestrian walkways, and proper traffic management systems. Where once the average commute could take up to four hours from nearby suburbs like Glen Norah or Zindoga during rush hour, travelers now reach their destinations in under 30 minutes.
During a recent visit by The Herald, the Trabablas interchange was alive not only with moving vehicles but also with admiration from residents. Locals were seen taking pictures, admiring the design, and strolling around the well-marked lanes. Elderly citizens, families with children, and young couples came not just to pass through, but to experience a new kind of Harare—a cleaner, more structured, and futuristic version of the city.
“What was once a nightmare is now a dream come true,” said Mr. Everson Magwenzi, a resident. “This is quality work. Anyone who sees it will be impressed. The design speaks for itself.”
Trabablas Interchange Transforms Harare’s Traffic Chaos into Urban Efficiency
Traffic officers, together with the Traffic Safety Council, were stationed around the area to assist drivers unfamiliar with the new road layouts. They answered questions, managed vehicle flow, and ensured everyone was adjusting smoothly to the changes. The effort ensured that traffic moved in an orderly fashion with no incidents of reckless reversing or wrong turns, which had previously been common.
Despite the improvements, a few challenges remain. Some motorists, unfamiliar with navigating such infrastructure, missed turns due to driving too fast or not reading signs properly. Mr. Carlton Chaka, a driver from Glen View, noted, “The signs are visible, but drivers need to slow down and pay attention. Some still don’t know how to read road signs properly, which causes confusion.”
The project has also had an aesthetic impact. The once-cluttered and dirty roadsides are now flanked by clearly demarcated pedestrian paths, service roads, and elevated lanes. While many pedestrians still choose to walk along the main lanes for the scenic views, the new environment encourages safe and disciplined movement.
“This place is beautiful,” said Tadiwa, a university student and local resident. “You could have a photo shoot here. If someone left Harare five years ago and came back today, they wouldn’t believe this is the same Mbudzi.”
The project is part of a broader national development initiative under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona emphasized that the Trabablas Interchange reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and achieving Vision 2030.
“This project used to be the face of congestion,” said Mhona. “Today, it stands as a beacon of transformation. We are not just building roads; we are building an empowered Zimbabwe. Projects like this bring us closer to President Mnangagwa’s vision of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.”
Minister Mhona also promised continued efforts to upgrade the country’s transport systems, including roads, railways, and airports, ensuring they meet international standards and can support long-term economic growth.
The successful completion of the Trabablas Interchange is more than just a traffic solution. It’s a statement of intent. It shows that with vision, investment, and proper planning, Zimbabwe can modernize its infrastructure and create a better quality of life for its citizens. For the residents of Harare, it is a daily, visible reminder of progress and a hopeful glimpse into the future. Trabablas.
