MILLICENT HUNGWE
The construction of the Masvingo Trumpet Interchange is set to reshape the city’s transport network, easing congestion for motorists and positioning the city as a modern gateway along country’s busiest trade corridor.
The project part of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road Rehabilitation Programme, features a trumpet-style interchange and bypass intended to streamline traffic flow and enhance regional connectivity.
The bridges are integral parts of the ongoing upgrading, widening, and rehabilitation of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway, which is being undertaken by four contractors, Masimba Construction, Exodus and Company, Fossil Contracting, and Bitumen World.
Masimba Construction Contract Manager Engineer Marlvin Munemo, who is leading the construction, said major structural works are progressing well, with the Mucheke River Bridge now 88% complete.
“We have four structures we are currently working on, Mucheke Bridge, two bridges at Chimusana and a trumpet structure we call the Masvingo Trabablas.
“Works on the Mucheke River Bridge are at an advanced stage, currently at 88 percent completion, we expect to be done at Mucheke bridge by the end of November,” he said.
The Midweek Watch confirmed that the interchange will significantly improve mobility along the North-South Corridor, which links South Africa to the rest of the region through Zimbabwe.
Engineer Joy Makumbe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, highlighted the strategic impact of the works.
“These structures are the connecting points of this Harare-Beitbridge road, including Mucheke Bridge being one of them. The Masimba contractors have widened this bridge to improve efficiency and the lifestyle of the Masvingo community.
“If it is completed, we will eliminate delays and allow traffic to move quickly from Beitbridge to Masvingo and Harare.
“We need to appreciate the structures that link the road, this bridge has also been widened to improve connectivity.”
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Joshua Sacco, reinforced the project’s regional importance.
“The North-South Corridor is very important to us as a nation. The movement of traffic from South Africa through Zimbabwe to the north and vice versa is critical.
“That’s why as a nation we are pushing hard for the completion of the project.
“This media tour is to look at the works being done from here in Masvingo going to Mwenezi, Ngundu and Beitbridge.
“Here in Masvingo, we are also upgrading the Mucheke Bridge to reduce congestion.
“We are constructing a small interchange that will allow international traffic, and those who don’t need to enter Masvingo town, to use a bypass, reducing congestion in the city.”
Residents have praised the transformation, saying the development is a symbol of growth and strategic planning.
Prosper Gutu, a local resident, told The Midweek Watch that:
“We are witnessing remarkable progress on this project which will transform our city.
“The government has remembered Masvingo as a whole, and we can’t wait for the completion of this spectacular feature—our own Trabablas.”
To help residents visualise the future landscape, Engineer Makumbe directed that an HD digital display be installed at the construction site, the screen faces traffic entering and exiting the city, showcasing how Masvingo will look like upon completion early next year.
