Harare Congestion Relief: Govt to Construct Seke and Chiremba Road Interchanges

Felix Mhona

The Government of Zimbabwe is set to accelerate its urban renewal drive with the construction of two major interchanges at the Seke Road–Delport Road junction and the Robert Mugabe–Chiremba Road junction. These high-impact projects are designed to decongest Harare’s busiest southern corridors and provide seamless regional connectivity.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the scope of work includes the construction of Delport Road from Mabvuku and a strategic overpass linking Chiremba and Glenara Roads.

Ministry officials confirmed that these upgrades are essential to closing critical gaps in the Harare southern arc road network. By streamlining these intersections, the government aims to reduce through-traffic in residential neighborhoods like Braeside and Epworth.

“This is real infrastructure development aimed at decongesting one of the city's busiest routes,” a Ministry spokesperson stated in a recent update. “The project will align with Vision 2030 by creating a world-class transport system that supports economic growth.”

Construction at the Mabvuku Interchange along the Harare-Mutare Highway is progressing steadily. Engineers are currently focused on the abutment substructures, which will support the bridge's superstructure.

Once complete, this interchange will be a game-changer for commuters from Tafara and Mabvuku, as well as commercial logistics moving toward the Mozambican border. It follows the successful launch of the Trabablas Traffic Interchange (popularly known as the Mbudzi Interchange area project), which has already improved traffic flow between Chitungwiza and the city center.

Beyond the capital, infrastructure development has shifted focus to Matabeleland South Province, the host of Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations. Major rehabilitation is underway on the Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads to ensure they are trafficable before the national event at Maphisa Open Grounds.

Permanent Secretary of Transport, Engineer Joy Makumbe, recently led a monitoring tour of the 120km stretch. She noted that additional contractors have been engaged to meet the April 18 deadline.

• Regional Impact: The Bulawayo-Kezi route is a vital tourism artery for the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site.

  
  

• Economic Stimulus: Upgraded roads are expected to reduce travel times for rural communities and stimulate local trade.

These initiatives are anchored in the Second Republic’s devolution strategy, ensuring that high-quality infrastructure reaches every province. As Zimbabwe prepares for its independence festivities, the modernization of these key highways and interchanges stands as a testament to the country's ongoing National Development Strategy (NDS1).

Harare interchanges construction