The Trabablas Interchange: Zimbabwe’s Bold Vision for Connectivity Amid Controversy

In the heart of Harare, Zimbabwe, where the Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads converge, a massive infrastructure project has been taking shape for years. Once known as the Mbudzi Interchange, this critical junction along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway is now called the Trabablas Interchange, a name that pays homage to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s liberation war nickname. Touted as a game-changer for easing traffic congestion and boosting regional trade, the project has captured both public imagination and scrutiny. As it nears completion in 2025, the Trabablas Interchange stands as a symbol of Zimbabwe’s developmental aspirations—but also as a lightning rod for debates about cost, quality, and political priorities.

A Solution to Harare’s Traffic Woes

The Trabablas Interchange was born out of necessity. The Mbudzi Roundabout, as it was previously known, was a notorious bottleneck in Harare. During peak hours, commuters faced agonizing delays as vehicles from western Chitungwiza, surrounding suburbs, and the Harare-Masvingo Highway converged in a chaotic snarl. Heavy regional traffic heading to and from South Africa only worsened the gridlock. For years, the roundabout was a daily frustration for motorists and a barrier to efficient transport along one of Zimbabwe’s most vital trade corridors.

The solution? A modern, multi-level interchange designed to streamline traffic flow, improve road safety, and support Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy. Initiated under President Mnangagwa’s administration, the project aimed to transform the junction into a “signature infrastructure development” that would not only ease congestion but also showcase the country’s commitment to modernization.

The project, undertaken by Tefoma Construction—a consortium of Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Construction—began in 2022 with an estimated cost of US$85 million, later reported to have risen to US$88-90 million. The scope was ambitious: 15 bridges, multiple lanes, and detour routes to accommodate construction while keeping traffic moving. By December 2024, 13 of the 15 bridges were complete, and the project was 91% finished, with an expected completion date of May 31, 2025.

For many Zimbabweans, the promise of a smoother commute and a more efficient trade route is tantalizing. The Harare-Beitbridge Highway is a lifeline for commerce with South Africa, and an upgraded interchange could reduce travel times, lower transportation costs, and enhance safety for both local commuters and long-haul truckers. But as the project inches toward completion, its journey has been anything but smooth.

The Renaming Controversy...

In December 2024, the Zimbabwean government announced that the Mbudzi Interchange would be renamed the Trabablas Interchange, a nod to President Mnangagwa’s nom de guerre from the liberation war. The decision, approved during a cabinet meeting and announced by Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, was framed as a tribute to Mnangagwa’s “visionary leadership” in driving infrastructure development.

The renaming sparked immediate backlash. Critics labeled it “ego politics,” arguing that naming public infrastructure after a sitting president prioritizes personal legacy over community identity. Social media platforms buzzed with mockery and disbelief.

For some, the name “Trabablas” itself felt out of place. The term, rooted in Mnangagwa’s wartime persona, didn’t resonate with the interchange’s geographic or cultural context. Many Zimbabweans questioned why the government didn’t retain “Mbudzi” (meaning “goat” in Shona, tied to the area’s history) or choose a name honoring the communities it serves. The controversy underscored broader frustrations with the government’s priorities, as citizens grappled with unemployment, rising living costs, and strained public services.

Supporters, however, see the renaming as a fitting tribute. Government officials and pro-ZANU PF voices argue that Mnangagwa’s administration has prioritized infrastructure, with projects like the Trabablas Interchange, the modernized Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway, and the upgraded Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as evidence of progress. Some hailed the interchange as one of the president’s greatest achievements, predicting it will become a point of national pride upon completion.

A Price Tag That Raises Eyebrows ?

At US$88-90 million, the Trabablas Interchange is one of Zimbabwe’s most expensive infrastructure projects. But its cost has become a focal point of criticism, with allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and cronyism casting a shadow over its progress.

A scathing report compared the Trabablas Interchange to South Africa’s Mount Edgecombe Interchange in Durban, a far more sophisticated four-level structure with a 948-meter bridge that cost US$65.9 million. The US$22 million price difference, critics argue, suggests either gross overpricing or outright fraud. The report described Zimbabwe’s project as “shoddy” and “basic,” accusing contractors—allegedly connected to high-ranking officials—of thriving on corruption and cost escalations.

Photos shared by citizen watchdogs showed half-finished roads, exposed soil, and scattered construction equipment, fueling public outrage. The project has been criticized for its lack of transparency in the tender process and failure to provide an independently audited cost breakdown—reinforcing perceptions of infrastructure as a “conduit for looting.”

The government has pushed back against these claims, emphasizing the project’s complexity and the need to relocate displaced families. Dr. Shingirayi Mushamba, chief director for spatial planning, confirmed that all families affected by the interchange’s construction have been compensated and relocated, with detour route relocations still ongoing. Yet allegations of inflated property compensation values, with some officials arrested for collusion, have only deepened public skepticism.

Tragic Setback...

In January 2025, the Trabablas Interchange was thrust into the spotlight for a tragic reason. On January 6, a mechanical failure during the dismantling of a static tower crane caused both the tower crane and a mobile crane to collapse, killing a worker employed by Manzlink, a subcontracted rigging firm. Tefoma Construction issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging cooperation with authorities, while Transport Minister Felix Mhona confirmed a full investigation involving the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

The incident was a blow to the project’s image, already battered by delays and cost controversies. Opposition activists seized on the tragedy, with one calling it “another example of misplaced priorities” in an administration more focused on naming projects after the president than ensuring worker safety. The collapse highlighted ongoing safety challenges in Zimbabwe’s construction industry, where fatal workplace accidents remain a concern.

Progress Amid the Noise

Despite the controversies, the Trabablas Interchange is undeniably taking shape. As of April 2025, the project was 90% complete, with all bridges constructed and some already open to traffic. The government is also planning four additional interchanges in Harare—at Mabvuku Junction, Harare Drive/Mutare Road, Liberation Legacy Way/Harare Drive, and Liberation Legacy Way/Churchill Road—to further enhance the city’s road network.

Not everyone is convinced. A former government official claimed the interchange was “failing all strength of material tests” and posed safety risks, urging a focus on public safety over contractor profits. While such claims lack independent verification, they reflect the deep mistrust surrounding the project’s execution.

What Lies Ahead for Trabablas?

As the May 31, 2025, completion date approaches, the Trabablas Interchange stands at a crossroads. If successfully completed, it could transform Harare’s traffic landscape, reduce congestion, and bolster Zimbabwe’s reputation as a hub for regional trade. The project’s strategic location along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway makes it a vital link in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) transport network, with potential economic ripple effects.

But success hinges on addressing the project’s shortcomings. Transparency in cost breakdowns, rigorous safety oversight, and accountability for alleged mismanagement are critical to restoring public trust. The government’s decision to rename the interchange “Trabablas” may continue to polarize, but its real legacy will depend on whether it delivers tangible benefits to Zimbabweans.

For now, the Trabablas Interchange is a paradox—a monument to ambition and a lightning rod for criticism. It’s a reminder that infrastructure, at its best, can unite a nation in progress—but only if built on a foundation of competence, accountability, and public trust. As Zimbabweans await its opening, they’re hoping for more than a “muddy footpath”—they want a road to a brighter future.