Less than a year after its official opening in May 2025, the $114 million Trabablas Interchange is already showing signs of deterioration, with potholes forming on the roads.
The problem has affected connecting roads, including the Machipisa–Chitungwiza route, which links to the Trabablas Interchange. A newly renovated section from Hopley to Glen Norah B has already developed a pothole on the Glen Norah side, further fuelling concerns about the durability of the works.
While Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube provided a detailed breakdown of the funds spent on the interchange during a parliamentary session, questions remain about construction quality. According to Ncube, $65.5 million was allocated to core infrastructure, including contractor establishment on site, traffic accommodation, drainage systems, stormwater protection, stabilisation, road foundations, and road signage.
In addition, $16 million went towards the construction of bridges, with 12 bridges completed as part of the project. Supervisory engineering fees and electrical works accounted for another $6.8 million, bringing the total to $88.3 million. The remaining $26 million covered the cost of relocating families whose homes were in the path of the development.
Related Stories
While the government maintains that the project adhered to the planned budget, the emergence of potholes on such a recently completed road fuels public debate and doubts about construction standards and accountability.
Zimbabweans already pay repeatedly for road infrastructure through toll gates and fuel levies to ZINARA, yet road inspections appear ineffective. This comes after ZINARA confirmed it was not aware of the potholes at Trabablas.
“Thanks for the heads-up. We will share this with the Department of Roads in the Ministry,” said ZINARA public officer Tendai Mugabe.
As Zim Now tried to engage the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for clarity on what corrective action would be taken to permanently fix the structural defects at the Trabablas Interchange, and how the ministry would ensure the contractor bears the full cost rather than taxpayers, Judith Nhau, the ministry’s communications officer, requested more information regarding the location ,a response that illustrates the apparent lack of routine road inspections by the ministry.
“Regarding your inquiry about the Trabablas Interchange, we kindly request that you provide us with more specific details about the location and nature of the structural defect you have observed, if there is a defect. This will enable our engineering and maintenance teams to conduct a thorough assessment and take the necessary corrective measures, if any are required,” said Nhau.
Leave Comments