FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-The long-awaited Chimusana Bridge Trumpet Interchange has reached 54.5 percent completion, marking another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Masvingo’s road infrastructure set to bring relief to motorists.
The latest progress update comes just two months after the commissioning of the Mucheke Bridge on April 30, a project undertaken by Masimba Holdings.
The Chimusana Bridge Trumpet Interchange which connects from Chimusana Bridge to Masvingo Polytechnic is designed as a grade-separation structure that will allow traffic travelling towards Beitbridge to bypass the Masvingo Central Business District (CBD).
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce congestion within the city while improving the efficient movement of people and goods along the strategic Harare–Beitbridge Highway.
Giving an update on the works to The Midweek Watch, Masvingo Deputy Provincial Roads Engineer Shadreck Kativhu said construction teams are making steady progress despite encountering several challenges.
“Currently we are working on beam steel fixing, beam concrete works as well as deck steel fixing and concrete works. The average percentage of completion on both the south-bound and north-bound bridges currently stands at 54.5 percent,” said Kativhu.
He acknowledged that the project continues to face obstacles including funding constraints, weather disruptions, procurement processes and the re-routing of critical services particularly sewer infrastructure.
Despite the challenges, Kativhu said authorities are aiming to complete the project before the festive season.
He added that beyond improving transport efficiency, the project is expected to bring wider benefits to communities including reduced traffic congestion, safer pedestrian movement and improved aesthetics in the surrounding area.
Road users and residents have welcomed the progress with many praising Masimba Holdings for maintaining momentum on the project.
A commuter transporter from Mucheke said the bypass will transform the experience of travelling through Masvingo.
“For years traffic congestion has been a challenge especially during peak hours and holidays. What we are seeing now gives us hope that movement will become easier once the project is complete. We appreciate the work being done,” he said.
With work continuing on both bridge sections, expectations remain high that the Chimusana Bypass will become one of Masvingo’s landmark infrastructure projects and further strengthen the city’s position as a key transport corridor in Zimbabwe.
