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By Joyce Mukucha
Construction work at Mbudzi Traffic Interchange is geared to start soon after the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development received an expression of interest from Fossil Mines Private with a loan facility for funding the project.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon Felix Mhona said the objective of the Mbudzi Interchange is part of Government concerted traffic decongestion efforts of all urban areas.
“Cabinet has since approved that the Interchange be constructed and to initiate negotiations for the loan facility. Designs for the Interchange were carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development in 2018. The output will be designs and a cost estimate of the works that will be used in financial negotiations between the Ministry of Finance and the financier. Work will commence immediately after the signing of this Framework agreement,” he said.
The imminent completion of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, the minister explained, gave priority to the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange so as to clear the current and foreseeable traffic congestion at the Mbudzi traffic circle.
As part of the facility, the financier will offer technical and construction facilities hence a contractor, TEFOMA Joint Venture will be appointed the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project.
“TEFOMA Joint Venture consists of Tensor Construction (Private) Limited and all reputable local companies. As part of financial inclusion, other local contractors will be subcontracted to perform certain works. The loan facility is indicatively US$85 million,” said Minister Mhona.
Presently, the Ministry is finalising technical issues that include design reviews of the Interchange and identification of diversion routes to be used by motorists during construction of the Interchange.
“Thge fdiversion routes will be required to carry traffic congestion during the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange as the site will be closed to traffic. The primary diversion route will be through Stoneridge road from Boka Tobacco Sales Floor, through Hopley residential area crossing Chitungwiza Road into Forbes Avenue in Waterfalls, Malvern Road into Simon Mazorodze Road.”
Another leg of the diversion route, part of the Mbudzi Interchange permanent works will run parallel to the existing Simon Mazorodze Road, on the Western side and cater for northbound and local traffic.
He said notices were being served to affected property owners and highlighted that the Ministry appeals to the public to bear with them as they embark on this project of National Importance.
“All affected parties will be compensated as provided for by the law and I appeal to the members of the public to be cooperative. In Hopley residential area, all those who were residing within the road reserve were served with notices and most have complied and started demolishing their structures and relocating.”
