The Government is considering establishing a mini-interchange in Bulawayo, modeled after Harare’s iconic Trabablas Interchange, to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety in the city.
This was announced by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, during a recent parliamentary session. He highlighted that the proposal forms part of a broader initiative to enhance transport infrastructure in the southern region and aligns with the Government’s devolution agenda.
“I have tasked my engineer for the Bulawayo Province to also interrogate and see what we can have in terms of a mini-interchange,” said Minister Mhona. He added that updates will be provided to Parliament once a suitable location for the interchange has been identified.
Although the exact site has not yet been disclosed, the move signals the Government’s intent to extend major infrastructure upgrades to Bulawayo, similar to those being implemented in the capital. The mini-interchange is expected to reduce traffic bottlenecks and complement ongoing works on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway.
Work on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is already underway, with five contractors currently on-site. According to Minister Mhona, each contractor is responsible for a specific 50km stretch of road, covering construction, maintenance, and beautification. Detours are being opened to manage traffic flow during the rehabilitation process.
The project is being executed in phases using a kilometre-by-kilometre approach, with each contractor completing 5km sections before moving on. The entire rehabilitation is expected to take approximately 10 months. The road is a critical corridor for domestic and regional traffic, connecting Zimbabwe to Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.
Minister Mhona also confirmed that preparations are underway for the construction of the long-anticipated Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road. This project will provide a shorter route to Victoria Falls and further enhance the region’s transport network. All developments form part of the Second Republic’s ongoing infrastructure programme under the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.
