Construction work on the long-awaited Mabvuku Traffic Interchange is officially underway, signalling another major step in Zimbabwe’s ongoing national infrastructure transformation agenda. Currently, bush clearing and the development of temporary detour roads are in progress as engineers and contractors prepare the site for full-scale development.
The interchange is being constructed along the busy Harare-Mutare Road — one of the country’s most trafficked arteries — and is intended to ease congestion, improve road safety, and support economic growth in the capital and beyond. This follows the recent commissioning of the Trabablas Traffic Interchange by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which now efficiently connects Simon Mazorodze, High Glen, and Chitungwiza Roads. The Trabablas project featured 15 towering bridge structures, some rising as high as 18 metres — an architectural feat hailed as a symbol of modern Zimbabwean engineering.
The Mabvuku Interchange is the latest addition to this national effort, coming in response to increasing traffic volumes and a growing number of road accidents at one of Harare’s most notorious junctions. The Mabvuku turn-off, infamous for its high accident rate, had even earned the nickname “Turn-off of Death,” with some attributing the crashes to supernatural causes ranging from ghosts and demons to zombies and extraterrestrial beings.
Mabvuku Interchange Construction Commences as Government Accelerates Infrastructure Overhaul
However, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has taken a pragmatic approach, citing outdated road designs, poor traffic management, and human error as key contributors to the area’s dangers. In a statement released this week, the Ministry said the Mabvuku project would not only modernise the road network but also have a broad economic impact.
“These detours will ensure smooth traffic flow as we work towards enhancing this critical infrastructure upgrade,” the statement read. “The Mabvuku Interchange Project will deliver significant benefits, including smoother traffic flow through reduced congestion at this critical junction, enhanced safety with a modernised design to minimise accidents, and faster travel times for both commuters and freight transporters.”
The Ministry further noted that the interchange will play a vital role in supporting economic growth by improving connectivity, facilitating trade, and making it easier for businesses to transport goods. The project’s future-proof design will allow it to handle increasing traffic volumes as urban populations grow, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, in the eastern region of the country, another key infrastructure project is also gaining momentum. In Manicaland, bush clearing has begun on the Christmas Pass Bypass in Mutare. This vital corridor will provide an alternative route for heavy haulage trucks that previously had to navigate the narrow, winding Christmas Pass — a stretch of road known for its sharp bends and steep inclines.
The bypass is expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety, and enhance efficiency for freight vehicles heading toward Mozambique and other regional destinations. Once completed, the road will also reduce wear and tear on existing infrastructure, allowing the Christmas Pass route to cater more effectively to local traffic.
Local motorists and residents have welcomed the dual projects, expressing hope that they will finally resolve years of frustrating delays and frequent accidents.
“This was long overdue,” said Alice, a regular commuter who uses the Mabvuku turn-off daily. “I am glad the Government is taking action to address the congestion and safety concerns at this notorious turn-off. It will make a huge difference for us motorists.”
Clive, another motorist, dismissed the area’s paranormal reputation and pointed to human behaviour as the main issue. “People are just superstitious,” he said. “Once the interchange is complete, I’m certain accidents won’t occur as frequently. Most crashes here happened because drivers refused to give way or sped through tight intersections. This is a very good move by the Government.”
Cosmas Makiwa, who uses the Harare-Mutare Road for his daily commute, echoed the same optimism, saying the project may bring temporary inconveniences, but the long-term rewards will outweigh the current disruptions. “We’re ready to endure the detours. This is a necessary step toward safer and more efficient transport,” he said.
The Mabvuku Interchange and Christmas Pass Bypass are part of the Second Republic’s broader infrastructure masterplan under Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. Similar projects are expected to be rolled out across the country as Government seeks to improve urban mobility, stimulate investment, and enhance trade through world-class transport networks.
As construction continues at both sites, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful that these modern interchanges will usher in a new era of safe, efficient, and smart road infrastructure.
