The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has expressed outrage over the death of a worker at the Trabablas Interchange project site on Monday, January 6.
The union asserted that the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident point to compromises on safety standards at the workplace.
According to Tefoma Construction (Pvt) Ltd, the deceased was an employee of Manzlink, the specialist subcontracted company at the site.
Tefoma said the worker died due to a mechanical failure during crane de-erection operations at the project site.
ARTUZ has demanded the prompt finalisation of investigations into the accident. The union added:
<blockquote>
We stand ready to engage experts to review whatever outcome will be presented to the nation.
The Union demands a safety audit of the operations at Mbudzi roundabout.
We are irked to learn that the workers engaged at this site are being exploited, being paid peanuts and working for long hours.
The Union will deploy a team on a fact finding mission to the site and explore means of protecting the rights of workers at the construction site.
</blockquote>
The Trabablas Interchange project, formerly known as the Mbudzi Interchange, encompasses the construction of 15 bridges: 13 on the interchange itself and two on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
As of November 2024, the project was 85% complete, with 11 of the 15 bridges finished.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A worker died at a construction site and a teachers union is upset about it. They think safety rules were not followed. The company said the worker died because of a machine problem. The union wants a safety audit of the site. They also want to protect workers' rights and make sure they are not taken advantage of. The project is almost done, with most of the bridges finished. The union will send a team to investigate the site.

ARTUZ Questions Safety Standards After Worker Death At Trabablas Interchange Site

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of a Manzlink (Pvt) Ltd employee who tragically died on Monday, January 6, following the collapse of a crane at the Trabablas (Mbudzi) Interchange.
According to Tefoma Construction (Pvt) Ltd, the unnamed employee died due to a mechanical failure during crane de-erection operations at the project site.
The incident occurred while Manzlink, a rigging specialist firm contracted by Tefoma, was dismantling a static tower crane. Said Tefoma:
<blockquote>
The mechanical failure resulted in the collapse of both the static tower crane and the mobile crane being used for the de-erection process.
The deceased was an employee of Manzlink, the specialist subcontracted company at the site. In cooperation with relevant authorities, a full investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Tefoma has offered its full support and is working closely with Manzlink, the employer, and the deceased’s family during this difficult time.
</blockquote>
The Trabablas Interchange project, formerly known as the Mbudzi Interchange, encompasses the construction of 15 bridges: 13 on the interchange itself and two on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
As of November 2024, the project was 85% complete, with 11 of the 15 bridges finished.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A special worker died when a crane fell at Trabablas Interchange. The Ministry of Transport is sad about this. The worker was from Manzlink (Pvt) Ltd. The accident happened while they were taking apart a crane. The company Tefoma is sorry for what happened and is helping the family. The project at Trabablas Interchange is almost finished. The worker who died was helping build 15 bridges. The project is almost done, but this accident was sad. Now, people are investigating what happened.

Rigging Specialist Killed As Crane Collapses At Trabablas Interchange

The ZANU PF-led government has decided to change the name of Mbudzi roundabout to Trabablas Interchange.
The name “Trabablas” is associated with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as it was his nom de guerre (war name) during the country’s liberation war.
At a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere announced that the renaming was intended to honour Mnangagwa’s “visionary leadership.”
The proposal for the name change, put forward by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi in his role as acting chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Place Names, has been officially approved. Said Muswere said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet wishes to advise that upon completion, the Mbudzi Interchange will be named “Trabablas Interchange” in recognition of the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
</blockquote>
Muswere also said the Cabinet also received and approved the renaming of Headquarters 1 Infantry Brigade, Headquarters Bulawayo District and Zimbabwe School of Infantry Army Barracks. He said:
<blockquote>
Following the promulgation of a Defence Cantonment Notice of 2017 and the subsequent renaming of Headquarters 1 Infantry Brigade, Headquarters Bulawayo District and the Zimbabwe School of Infantry, Cabinet has now directed that the Army Barracks should retain their original names.
Accordingly, Headquarters1 now retains the name Khumalo Barracks; Headquarters Bulawayo District retains the name Imbizo Barracks; and the Zimbabwe School of Infantry be renamed Lookout Masuku Barracks.
</blockquote>
The renaming of the Mbudzi Interchange to Trabablas Interchange has been met with widespread scorn and disbelief among the public.
Critics argue that such a renaming distracts from pressing national issues and fails to address the everyday challenges faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
Some have taken to social media to voice their frustrations. Advocate Tino Chinyoka tweeted:
<blockquote>
There is a man that used to own the football club that I support. For 14 years 4 months and around 14 days he owned it. He decided to rename our football stadium “Sports Direct Arena”.
Not nobody, not anywhere, ever bothered with that nonsense. It remained then, and remains now after he is gone: St James’ Park.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mbudzi roundabout has been renamed to Trabablas Interchange to honor President Mnangagwa. The name Trabablas was his war name. Some other places have also been renamed. People are upset about the name change and feel it's not important. Some think it's a distraction from real problems. One person compared it to a football stadium being renamed and said people still call it by its original name. Many people are expressing their frustration on social media.

Mbudzi Roundabout Renamed Trabablas Interchange

A 750-metre link road and a newly constructed bridge along Harare Drive in the Houghton Park area of the capital, which are part of the Mbudzi Interchange project, have been opened to traffic, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mbudzi-interchange-another-road-bridge-opened/">The Herald</a>.
The newly constructed road connects a roundabout along Simon Mazorodze Road and passes through Houghton Park, Waterfalls Community Hall, and Parktown, linking with Masotsha Ndlovu Way, which extends from Simon Mazorodze Road to Seke Road.
To date, 14 out of the 15 components required for the interchange and associated works have been completed, including two bridges on Amalinda Road and the Harare Drive missing link.
The bridge and road were opened on Wednesday, November 27, by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona, along with other officials.
In October, the Government compensated 51 property owners affected by the project to the tune of US$38 million.
95 families affected by the project are set to be relocated to Hatcliffe, where new homes will be built for them.
The Mbudzi Interchange is strategically located at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads, facilitating traffic flow from western Chitungwiza and various suburbs into Harare’s city centre.
It also accommodates heavy national and regional traffic on the Harare-Masvingo Highway.
The construction of the interchange and surrounding roads is being carried out by Tefoma Construction, a consortium consisting of Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Construction.
Previously, the area was controlled by a roundabout, but increasing traffic volumes resulted in heavy congestion during peak hours.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A new road and bridge have been opened at the Mbudzi Interchange in Harare. This road connects Simon Mazorodze Road with Masotsha Ndlovu Way. Most of the components for the interchange project have been completed. The Minister of Transport opened the new road and bridge. The government has compensated property owners affected by the project. Families will be relocated to Hatcliffe. The interchange is important for traffic flow in and out of Harare and on the Harare-Masvingo Highway. Construction is being done by Tefoma Construction. The interchange replaces a roundabout that caused traffic jams.

Another Road And Bridge Opened At Mbudzi Interchange

The construction of two more bridges has been completed, bringing the total to 11 out of the 15 required for the Mbudzi Interchange, located south of Harare.
These bridges, situated on Amalinda Road and the Harare Drive missing link, will open to traffic this Friday.
The interchange consists of 15 bridges, with 13 directly associated with it and two on Amalinda Road and Harare Drive.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the two bridges will be opened on Friday. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/two-more-mbudzi-bridges-roads-completed/">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
On Friday, we will be opening our very two important roads again, under the Mbudzi Interchange, where people were saying maybe, because synonymous with the name Mbudzi, they thought we were just playing games… you will see us opening very two important bridges, the Amalinda Bridge and the Harare Drive Bridge.
</blockquote>
The Mbudzi Interchange is located at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen Roads, directing traffic from western Chitungwiza and various old and new suburbs into Harare city centre, as well as handling substantial national and regional traffic on the Harare-Masvingo Highway.
Construction of the interchange and surrounding roads is being managed by Tefoma Construction, a consortium formed by Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Construction.
The intersection was previously managed by a roundabout; however, increasing traffic volumes led to congestion, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two new bridges are done at Mbudzi Interchange near Harare, Zimbabwe. This makes a total of 11 out of 15 bridges needed. The new bridges on Amalinda Road and Harare Drive will be open this Friday. The interchange helps move traffic from Chitungwiza to Harare city center. Construction is managed by Tefoma Construction. The old roundabout caused lots of traffic, so the new bridges will help ease congestion. Transport Minister Felix Mhona says the new bridges are important. More work still needs to be done to finish the project.

Two More Bridges Completed At Mbudzi Interchange

The Masvingo-Glen Norah loop road, part of the Mbudzi Interchange project, was partially opened to motorists on Monday, September 16.
The official opening of the 3-kilometre stretch from Amalinda Drive into Glen Norah C suburb was attended by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa, ZINARA board chairperson George Manyaya, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume, and other senior government officials.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mbudzi-interchange-partially-opens-to-traffic/">The Herald</a>, 11 of the 15 bridges required for the Mbudzi Interchange, located south of Harare, are now complete.
The interchange design includes 15 bridges, with 13 situated directly on the interchange and two located on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
The interchange is being constructed at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads.
The newly opened loop road also connects with High Glen Road, which serves as a primary route for the southwestern suburbs of Harare and supports access to the western parts of the main industrial area.
Minister Mhona announced that all property owners whose structures were demolished to facilitate the Mbudzi Interchange construction would be compensated by the end of this month.
Resident engineer Emmanuel Dube said most of the construction work is nearing completion, with only beautification efforts remaining. He stated:
<blockquote>
We are undertaking 21 kilometres of roadworks here, and the stretch we have opened is 3 kilometres at deck level.
</blockquote>
Dube added that the overall progress on the bridges stands at 94%, while civil works are 64% complete, with the entire project at 70% completion.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mbudzi Interchange project in Zimbabwe is almost 70% complete and a 3-kilometre road was opened to drivers. The project has 15 bridges, with 11 already finished. The interchange will help with traffic on busy roads in Harare. The Minister promised to compensate people whose buildings were demolished for the project. The engineer said most of the work is almost done, with only some finishing touches left. The whole project is at 70% completion, with most of the bridges at 94% and civil works at 64%.

Mbudzi Interchange Now 70% Complete, Partially Opens To Traffic

The US$88 million Mbudzi Interchange project faces potential delays in completion due to the government’s slow compensation process for property owners.
Despite government officials initially setting a completion deadline of July 31 for the Mbudzi Interchange, progress has been hindered by the lack of compensation for property owners, resulting in delays.
A senior worker at the site told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026961/mbudzi-interchange-to-miss-completion-deadline">NewsDay</a> that five property owners are yet to be compensated. Said the worker:
<blockquote>
The government’s failure to compensate some property owners tied the contractors. There were close to 51 property owners with title deeds.
The government has compensated 46 property owners out of the 51; five have not been compensated and this affects the work.
</blockquote>
One of the property owners confirmed to NewsDay that they met with government officials and agreed on the compensation framework, but they are still awaiting payment.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday this week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, said the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange has reached a 63% completion level.
The Mbudzi Interchange project in Harare aims to upgrade the Mbudzi roundabout junction along the Harare-Masvingo highway.
This transformation will turn it into an interchange intersection involving the major roads of High Glen, Simon Mazorodze, and Chitungwiza.
The project aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time at this busy junction.
The US$88 million project is executed by the Tefoma Construction joint venture, which includes local firms Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Construction.
The project involves the construction of a three-tier grade-separated intersection with 13 major bridge structures.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mbudzi Interchange Project Set To Miss Completion Deadline

The Mbudzi Interchange project is running behind schedule as the contractor is still to access the area occupied by property owners who are awaiting compensation from the government.
This was said by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Amos Marawa, during a recent tour of the project by the media.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mbudzi-interchange-project-behind-schedule-property-owners-yet-to-move-from-site-government/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> quoted Marawa as saying the Government is yet to reach an agreement with only one property owner and this had slowed down progress. He said:
<blockquote>
We are behind schedule. The government is committed to paying property holders. 
Negotiations came too late and thus delayed the compensation to the property holders.
So far, agreements have been made with the affected people except for one that is still outstanding.
We have signed settlement agreements with 51 property holders except for one.
</blockquote>
Marawa said of the US$34 million needed to compensate the affected people, the government had paid US$12 million to 19 property holders.
Moreover, 95 other leaseholders within the project space will be relocated. The Government committed to service the land and build three-roomed chore houses for each. Said Marawa:
<blockquote>
Government will compensate affected property owners in the next two months. It will reconsider and reconstruct the programming consolidated dates after June.
So far, the government is happy with the quality of the work which is being undertaken by a private contractor (Fossils Mines) at a cost of US$88 million.
</blockquote>
The project started on 18 September 2022 and was scheduled to be completed by 17 March 2023.
Marawa said a new expected completion date will be set in June.
The project has 13 interchange bridges as well as 15km of interchange roads and service roads. Four bridges are above 90% complete.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mbudzi Interchange Project Behind Schedule - Govt

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has announced plans to close portions of Harare-Masvingo road, Chitungwiza road and High Glen Road at Mbudzi roundabout with effect from the 18th of this month. The ministry is spearheading the construction of an interchange. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the ministry said the roads shall be closed for a period of one and half years and the motoring public shall be using the diversion routes, Malvin Road, Forbes Road, HopelyRoad, and Stoneridge Road. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>NOTICE OF CLOSURE OF PORTIONS OF HARARE-MASVINGO ROAD, CHITUNGWIZA ROAD AND HIGH GLEN ROAD AT MBUDZI TRAFFIC CIRCLE WITH EFFECT FROM 18 SEPTEMBER 2022.</h2>
Following the gazetting of General Notice Minister of Transport and Infrastructural De Act [Chapter13:181, shall close the portions – the layout plan 1-ZW125-C167 for the purposes of construction of Mbudzi interchange with effect from 18 September 2022. The portions of the roads hereunder shall be closed for a period of one and half years and the motoring public shall be using diversion route, Malvin Road, Forbes Road. HopelyRoad, and Stoneridge Road.
<h2>Description of roads to be closed:</h2>
Roads constituting the four legs of roads into Mbudzi traffic circle for a distance 1.5 kilometres long from the centre line of the traffic circle on all four legs. A portion of Harare – Masvingo Road at Mbudzi 1.5 kilometres before the centre line of the traffic circle and 1.5 kilometres after the traffic circle. A portion of Chitungwiza road 1.5 kilometres after the traffic circle going to Chitungwiza. A portion of High Glen Road 1.5 kilometres after the traffic circle going to High Glen.
The closure of portions of these roads is with effect from 18 September 2022 for a period of one and half years. Motorists are urged to be patient during the construction period.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Portions Of Roads At Mbudzi Roundabout Closed For One And Half Years

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has dismissed allegations by Hopewell Chi’ono, a freelance journalist that the government intends to use the construction of Mbudzi interchange to loot public funds.
The government plans to construct an interchange at the Mbudzi roundabout to address traffic congestion in the area. Chin’ono said:
<blockquote>
I have just spoken to the South African engineers who designed the Mbudzi roundabout. They told me that its real cost is US$42 million max, not the US$85 million being paid to Tagwirei. Below is the real plan which they sent to me. They said US$85 million was grand THEFT!
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNcHGoeXIAcPGZN?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
</blockquote>
In response, the Transport ministry said everything was done transparently according to Zimbabwean laws. Reads a statement issued this Wednesday:
<blockquote>
The Mbudzi Interchange design Engineers were procured in accordance with the Procurement Act. The winning design consultancy firm has both South African and Zimbabwean registered engineers as per the laws governing engineering practice. 
As standard practice, on completion of design, the Engineers provided the estimate of construction cost USD65 million for the Interchange only and the Engineers stand by that figure. 
The total cost of the Interchange includes diversion roads from Stoneridge, Hopley, Forbes and Malvern in Waterfalls back to Beatrice road which are currently under construction. These diversion roads are a total of 8km.
This includes the missing link of Harare Drive from Masotsha Ndhlovu into Houghton Park traffic circle and the bridge across Mukuvisi which brings the total cost of the Interchange to USD88 million exclusive VAT charges.
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt Speaks On Confusion Over US$42M, US$85M, US$88M Mbudzi Interchange Cost

Motorists are becoming impatient over the construction of an interchange at Mbudzi Roundabout as congestion is the order of the day.
The government has announced plans to construct an interchange but, for motorists, authorities are taking long to address the issue amid reports that contractors are taking due diligence to avoid future safety problems.
In October this year, Transport Minister, Felix Mhona announced that the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/10/15/mbudzi-interchange-to-cost-more-than-the-biggest-interchange-in-africa/">Mbudzi project will cost US$85 million which is US$8 million</a> more than the cost of constructing Mount Edgecombe Interchange in Durban, South Africa, the biggest interchange in Africa.
Meanwhile, motorists are being warned that congestion is likely to worsen during construction even with the major effort now being done on the diversion roads.
Motorists say that although the deployment of police traffic officers at the worst times to control the crossing has been at times helpful, driving past the roundabout has become a nightmare for many.
Mbudzi roundabout is at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen Roads that feed traffic from western Chitungwiza and many old and new suburbs into Harare city centre. 
Simon Mazarodze Road is the main Harare-Masvingo highway which means that heavy long-distance haulage trucks are mixing with the urban traffic.
Mr Leeroy Chigogo of Glen Norah said one would take at least over two hours to negotiate the roundabout.
Another motorist Mr Takudzwa Manyande said there was also a need to get rid of pirate taxis that load passengers near the roundabout as this was also fuelling congestion.
Mrs Charlene Mureverwi of Glen View said driving through the roundabout was now very difficult and something needed to be done to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
The contractor is currently undertaking geotechnical engineering, which involves taking soil and rock samples to ascertain the strength of materials to be used during the foundation stages.
Works on detour roads are progressing with the demolition of illegal structures that encroached the roads continuing smoothly. 
Harare provincial roads engineer Arthurton Zindoga was quoted saying the geotechnical engineering process was the initial stage of the project.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mbudzi-roundabout-congestion-headache-for-motorists/">The Herald</a>

Mbudzi Interchange: Motorists Impatient As Congestion Intensifies

Transport minister, Felix Mhona announced on Wednesday that the Mbudzi project will cost US$85 million which is US$8 million more than the cost of constructing Mount Edgecombe Interchange in Durban, South Africa, the biggest interchange in Africa. 
 The South African interchange cost R1.14 billion (US$77 million) before commissioning in 2018 and now some members of the public believe the Mbudzi project is grossly overpriced. Transport minister Felix Mhona announced on a state television programme: 
<blockquote>
The whole project will cost US$85 million, but this is subject to review and I can gladly say the funding is already there. We also invited private players. Twenty million dollars will be used on detour roads.
</blockquote>
Some believe the project was overpriced and suspect corruption is at play.
Team Pachedu said the “Award-winning Mt Edgecombe Interchange (4-tier) is the largest interchange in SADC, and has the longest flyover bridge in Africa, but only cost US$77 million.” Added the opposition political activism online group:
<blockquote>
Mbudzi (3-tier) will cost US$85 million. How?
</blockquote>
In another post, Team Pachedu said:
<blockquote>
Here is another 4-tier Pokuase Interchange in Ghana. The budget is almost the same, but you can’t compare Mbudzi to this. Mbudzi is way too expensive.
</blockquote>
One observer suggested that it is through tenders like these that government officials are able to withdraw huge amounts of money from the banks without doing it directly.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/10/14/us85-million-loan-deal-for-mbudzi-flyover-sealed/">According to The Herald, minister Mhona signed the US$85 million loan facility framework funding</a> for the project with Fossil Contracting Managing Director Obey Chimuka at his offices in Harare on Tuesday. 
Chimuka has in the past sat on the board of Sakunda Supplies owned by business tycoon Kuda Tagwirei. This left some suggesting that Tagwirei was the one who won the tender but was just using Chimuka as cover.
Tagwirei has in the past benefitted from opaquely awarded tenders and has resultantly been placed under U.S. sanctions.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

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