The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has expressed outrage over the death of a worker at the Trabablas Interchange project site on Monday, January 6.
The union asserted that the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident point to compromises on safety standards at the workplace.
According to Tefoma Construction (Pvt) Ltd, the deceased was an employee of Manzlink, the specialist subcontracted company at the site.
Tefoma said the worker died due to a mechanical failure during crane de-erection operations at the project site.
ARTUZ has demanded the prompt finalisation of investigations into the accident. The union added:
<blockquote>
We stand ready to engage experts to review whatever outcome will be presented to the nation.
The Union demands a safety audit of the operations at Mbudzi roundabout.
We are irked to learn that the workers engaged at this site are being exploited, being paid peanuts and working for long hours.
The Union will deploy a team on a fact finding mission to the site and explore means of protecting the rights of workers at the construction site.
</blockquote>
The Trabablas Interchange project, formerly known as the Mbudzi Interchange, encompasses the construction of 15 bridges: 13 on the interchange itself and two on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
As of November 2024, the project was 85% complete, with 11 of the 15 bridges finished.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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A worker died at a construction site and a teachers union is upset about it. They think safety rules were not followed. The company said the worker died because of a machine problem. The union wants a safety audit of the site. They also want to protect workers' rights and make sure they are not taken advantage of. The project is almost done, with most of the bridges finished. The union will send a team to investigate the site.

ARTUZ Questions Safety Standards After Worker Death At Trabablas Interchange Site

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of a Manzlink (Pvt) Ltd employee who tragically died on Monday, January 6, following the collapse of a crane at the Trabablas (Mbudzi) Interchange.
According to Tefoma Construction (Pvt) Ltd, the unnamed employee died due to a mechanical failure during crane de-erection operations at the project site.
The incident occurred while Manzlink, a rigging specialist firm contracted by Tefoma, was dismantling a static tower crane. Said Tefoma:
<blockquote>
The mechanical failure resulted in the collapse of both the static tower crane and the mobile crane being used for the de-erection process.
The deceased was an employee of Manzlink, the specialist subcontracted company at the site. In cooperation with relevant authorities, a full investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Tefoma has offered its full support and is working closely with Manzlink, the employer, and the deceased’s family during this difficult time.
</blockquote>
The Trabablas Interchange project, formerly known as the Mbudzi Interchange, encompasses the construction of 15 bridges: 13 on the interchange itself and two on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
As of November 2024, the project was 85% complete, with 11 of the 15 bridges finished.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A special worker died when a crane fell at Trabablas Interchange. The Ministry of Transport is sad about this. The worker was from Manzlink (Pvt) Ltd. The accident happened while they were taking apart a crane. The company Tefoma is sorry for what happened and is helping the family. The project at Trabablas Interchange is almost finished. The worker who died was helping build 15 bridges. The project is almost done, but this accident was sad. Now, people are investigating what happened.

Rigging Specialist Killed As Crane Collapses At Trabablas Interchange

A 750-metre link road and a newly constructed bridge along Harare Drive in the Houghton Park area of the capital, which are part of the Mbudzi Interchange project, have been opened to traffic, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mbudzi-interchange-another-road-bridge-opened/">The Herald</a>.
The newly constructed road connects a roundabout along Simon Mazorodze Road and passes through Houghton Park, Waterfalls Community Hall, and Parktown, linking with Masotsha Ndlovu Way, which extends from Simon Mazorodze Road to Seke Road.
To date, 14 out of the 15 components required for the interchange and associated works have been completed, including two bridges on Amalinda Road and the Harare Drive missing link.
The bridge and road were opened on Wednesday, November 27, by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona, along with other officials.
In October, the Government compensated 51 property owners affected by the project to the tune of US$38 million.
95 families affected by the project are set to be relocated to Hatcliffe, where new homes will be built for them.
The Mbudzi Interchange is strategically located at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads, facilitating traffic flow from western Chitungwiza and various suburbs into Harare’s city centre.
It also accommodates heavy national and regional traffic on the Harare-Masvingo Highway.
The construction of the interchange and surrounding roads is being carried out by Tefoma Construction, a consortium consisting of Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Construction.
Previously, the area was controlled by a roundabout, but increasing traffic volumes resulted in heavy congestion during peak hours.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A new road and bridge have been opened at the Mbudzi Interchange in Harare. This road connects Simon Mazorodze Road with Masotsha Ndlovu Way. Most of the components for the interchange project have been completed. The Minister of Transport opened the new road and bridge. The government has compensated property owners affected by the project. Families will be relocated to Hatcliffe. The interchange is important for traffic flow in and out of Harare and on the Harare-Masvingo Highway. Construction is being done by Tefoma Construction. The interchange replaces a roundabout that caused traffic jams.

Another Road And Bridge Opened At Mbudzi Interchange

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in Zimbabwe has announced that there will be an official unveiling of the Masvingo-Glen Norah Loop and Mbudzi Interchange projects next week.
According to a statement obtained by Pindula News, the opening ceremony will be led by the Honourable Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Tapiwa Mhona (MP), accompanied by other dignitaries. The event, set for September 16, 2024, at the Mbudzi Interchange Site Offices, will feature prayers, introductions, speeches, and a project tour.
The Mbudzi Interchange venture, initiated in 2022 with a completion deadline of July 31, 2024, has encountered setbacks, failing to meet its initial target. 
Authorities claim that the total cost of constructing the Mbudzi Interchange flyover amounts to US$88 million. This includes US$65 million allocated for the interchange structure and US$23 million for various project components such as detour roads, relocation expenses, royalties, surveys, and professional fees. They say the US$65 million figure was quantified by the internationally accredited firm DNMZ, based in South Africa. 
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Zimbabwe's Ministry of Transport is opening new road projects in Masvingo and Glen Norah. The Minister will lead the ceremony on September 16, 2024. The Mbudzi Interchange project started in 2022 but faced delays. The total cost of the project is US$88 million with US$65 million for the structure and US$23 million for other expenses. The opening ceremony will include prayers, speeches, and a tour of the project.

Zimbabwe Announces Unveiling Of Masvingo-Glen Norah And Mbudzi Interchange Projects

The US$88 million Mbudzi Interchange project faces potential delays in completion due to the government’s slow compensation process for property owners.
Despite government officials initially setting a completion deadline of July 31 for the Mbudzi Interchange, progress has been hindered by the lack of compensation for property owners, resulting in delays.
A senior worker at the site told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026961/mbudzi-interchange-to-miss-completion-deadline">NewsDay</a> that five property owners are yet to be compensated. Said the worker:
<blockquote>
The government’s failure to compensate some property owners tied the contractors. There were close to 51 property owners with title deeds.
The government has compensated 46 property owners out of the 51; five have not been compensated and this affects the work.
</blockquote>
One of the property owners confirmed to NewsDay that they met with government officials and agreed on the compensation framework, but they are still awaiting payment.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday this week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, said the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange has reached a 63% completion level.
The Mbudzi Interchange project in Harare aims to upgrade the Mbudzi roundabout junction along the Harare-Masvingo highway.
This transformation will turn it into an interchange intersection involving the major roads of High Glen, Simon Mazorodze, and Chitungwiza.
The project aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time at this busy junction.
The US$88 million project is executed by the Tefoma Construction joint venture, which includes local firms Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Construction.
The project involves the construction of a three-tier grade-separated intersection with 13 major bridge structures.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mbudzi Interchange Project Set To Miss Completion Deadline

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested the Deputy Director of the Road Services Division in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ernest Shenje.
ZACC said Shenje has been arrested on accusations of fraudulently claiming US$1 003 417 in compensation for a property affected by the construction of the new interchange at Mbudzi roundabout, along Simon Mazorodze Road, in Harare. He is expected to appear in court soon. ZACC said in a statement:
<blockquote>
ZACC has arrested Mr Ernest Shenje, Dep Director Road Services Division in the Min of Transport &amp; Infrastructure Dvt on charges of fraud, over a fraudulent claim of USD1 003 417-00 as compensation for a property affected by the construction of a multi-level interchange at Mbudzi.
Shenje, working in cahoots with one Levy Idana [who is still at large] and some lawyers, manufactured a fraudulent agreement of sale purporting that Levy Idana was the owner of Subdivision A of Subdivision B of Delft of Hopely which was in the name of John Maloney.
They used the fraudulent agreement of sale to claim compensation, misrepresenting that Idana had purchased the property.
Shenje went on to facilitate the processing working together with other Ministry officials. As a result, Idana was paid USD200 000.00.
</blockquote>
Last week, a local weekly publication reported that ZACC had questioned several directors at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development over alleged fraudulent activities linked to Mbudzi Traffic Interchange project funds.
According to the report, the officials were quizzed by ZACC after whistle-blowers leaked details linking them to the “pillage” of a fund meant to compensate owners of companies and houses who were moved to pave the way for the construction of the traffic interchange.
Officials who spoke to the publication claimed that of this figure, US$12 million could have been paid out to 52 affected individuals and businesses by the end of 2023.
The US$88 million Mbudzi interchange is at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road, Chitungwiza Road and High Glen Road in Harare.
Funding for the project is being done through local financial institutions, while the contractor for the project is a joint venture of three local road construction companies: Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting and Masimba Construction, collectively coming under the banner of Tefoma Construction joint venture.
When complete, the interchange will have 13 bridges and 15 kilometres of interchange and service outlets.
This is expected to eliminate congestion at the point where two major highways meet the Beitbridge-Harare national highway.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ministry Of Transport Official Arrested For Looting Mbudzi Traffic Interchange Fund

The Mbudzi Interchange project is running behind schedule as the contractor is still to access the area occupied by property owners who are awaiting compensation from the government.
This was said by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Amos Marawa, during a recent tour of the project by the media.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mbudzi-interchange-project-behind-schedule-property-owners-yet-to-move-from-site-government/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> quoted Marawa as saying the Government is yet to reach an agreement with only one property owner and this had slowed down progress. He said:
<blockquote>
We are behind schedule. The government is committed to paying property holders. 
Negotiations came too late and thus delayed the compensation to the property holders.
So far, agreements have been made with the affected people except for one that is still outstanding.
We have signed settlement agreements with 51 property holders except for one.
</blockquote>
Marawa said of the US$34 million needed to compensate the affected people, the government had paid US$12 million to 19 property holders.
Moreover, 95 other leaseholders within the project space will be relocated. The Government committed to service the land and build three-roomed chore houses for each. Said Marawa:
<blockquote>
Government will compensate affected property owners in the next two months. It will reconsider and reconstruct the programming consolidated dates after June.
So far, the government is happy with the quality of the work which is being undertaken by a private contractor (Fossils Mines) at a cost of US$88 million.
</blockquote>
The project started on 18 September 2022 and was scheduled to be completed by 17 March 2023.
Marawa said a new expected completion date will be set in June.
The project has 13 interchange bridges as well as 15km of interchange roads and service roads. Four bridges are above 90% complete.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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