Story by Jeremiah Gora
Traffic congestion has become a thing of the past as the newly completed Amalinda Bridge and rehabilitated Amalinda Road were officially opened to traffic yesterday by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona.
In his address, Honourable Mhona emphasized the significance of Amalinda Road, highlighting its role in facilitating smooth and efficient passage for northbound traffic.
“Today, I am very happy that we are opening the Amalinda Drive, as this road will provide easy passage for northbound traffic.
“This new road will connect Highglen and Kirkman, leading all the way to Chirundu,” he stated.
“Motorists used to face difficulties passing through the old small bridge, but thanks to the Second Republic, that is now a thing of the past,” he added.
He highlighted that the newly completed Amalinda Bridge is capable of allowing the passage of vehicles weighing up to 180 tonnes.
He further confirmed that the Government has paid US$38 million in compensation to all property owners who were affected by the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange project.
“I want to thank our listening President and leader Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who guided us to fully compensate those affected by the construction of the interchange. And I am happy that as we speak, we have paid a total of 38 million to all those who were affected, both commercial and residential. We do not owe a single cent to anyone,” said Honourable Mhona.
He concluded by assuring citizens that the road rehabilitation program is ongoing post the SADC Summit.
“From here we are going to rehabilitate other roads, that is in Glen Norah, Glen View, and Fidelity.
“In Fidelity there are roads that were affected and used as detours, I know that residents were going to petition the Ministry and Government, as the Second Republic were are going to construct those roads,” he said.
Mudzi Interchange has 15 bridges, 13 directly on the interchange and other 2 are on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
Minister Mhona was accompanied by his Deputy Hon Joshua Sacco, Parliamentary Portifolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development Chairman Hon K. Kaitano, ZINARA Board Chairperson Dr George Manyaya, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Managing Director Mr Munesu and other Senior Government officials.
