Willovale Road Reopens, Easing Harare Congestion
- Southerton Business Times
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Harare’s Willovale Road was officially reopened on February 23, 2026, following extensive rehabilitation works that have brought long-awaited relief to commuters, businesses, and residents in the capital.
The road, which had deteriorated into a major congestion point and drawn criticism from motorists, has now been resurfaced and upgraded, with works stretching up to Chinzou Roundabout. The smoother carriageway is expected to significantly improve traffic flow along one of the city’s key industrial routes.
The reopening ceremony was led by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Hon. Felix Mhona, who was joined by senior government officials, including Harare Metropolitan Province Minister of State, Senator Charles Tavengwa, and Goodwills Masimirembwa, the provincial chairperson of ZANU-PF.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mhona said the rehabilitation project forms part of the Second Republic’s broader infrastructure drive aimed at modernising Zimbabwe’s road network. He noted that improved roads are critical to unlocking economic growth, easing the cost of doing business, and enhancing safety for motorists.
Willovale Road serves as a vital link for industrial traffic and daily commuters, and its poor state had previously resulted in long delays, vehicle damage, and increased travel times. The upgraded surface is expected to reduce bottlenecks that had become a daily frustration, particularly during peak hours.
Police officers were deployed to manage traffic during the reopening, as traffic lights along the corridor struggled to cope with increased vehicle volumes. Authorities indicated that further traffic management measures could be introduced if necessary to maintain smooth flow.
Residents welcomed the development. One resident, Felix, expressed optimism that the improved road would change driver behaviour. “Let’s hope because of the smooth road, motorists are going to behave. Ndozvavanoda zvespeed tovaziva, yavacarpetka iyi,” he said, cautioning that drivers may be tempted to speed now that the road surface has been upgraded.
The rehabilitation of Willovale Road is aligned with ongoing government projects, including the construction of interchanges, the upgrading of major highways, and the establishment of asphalt plants to strengthen local road maintenance capacity.
Officials say such infrastructure investments are designed to boost regional trade, improve connectivity between industrial zones and residential areas, and enhance the overall quality of life for Harare residents. With the reopening now complete, motorists are expected to experience shorter travel times and improved driving conditions along one of the capital’s previously troubled routes.
Willovale Road Harare
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