Cost breakdown of US$88 Million Trabablas Intercha...

Cost breakdown of US$88 Million Trabablas Interchange analysed

Trabablas Interchange Project Cost Breakdown:

Main Roadworks accounted for ~74% of the total cost
Bridge Construction made up ~18%
Electrical Works and Supervision Fees combined were under 10%

ZimNow Reporter

The Zimbabwean government has laid bare the cost structure of the recently completed Trabablas Interchange in Harare and provided progress updates on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway rehabilitation, shedding light on how public infrastructure funds are being utilized.

Trabablas Interchange: $88 million in detail

The new interchange along the busy North-South Corridor was completed at a total cost of US$88,319,160.04, with the Ministry of Transport releasing a detailed cost breakdown in what officials say is part of their transparency drive.

“This project was self-financed by the contractor, TEFOMA, through local markets. Costs were influenced by macroeconomic conditions and the high price of materials in Zimbabwe,” said Minister of Transport Felix Mhona.

Key Figures: where the money went

The main works (subtotal: US$65.5 million) included:

Earthworks and Overhaul – US$17.9 million
Mass earthworks – US$8.8 million
Asphalt base & surfacing – US$6.5 million
Concrete works and structures – US$3.7 million
Traffic accommodation & signage – US$2.6 million
Pavement layers & base – US$5.7 million
Road marking, landscaping, drainage3 million

Bridges: A major investment

A total of 13 bridges were constructed under the project, costing US$16,026,787.44. The most expensive was Bridge 10, coming in at over US$10.8 million, while several smaller structures cost below US$500,000.

Additional costs:

Supervision Fees: US$2.37 million
Electrical Works: US$4.37 million

Total cost: US$88,319,160.04

Update: Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway

Five contractors are currently rehabilitating 51 km between Bulawayo and Gwayi, with a national push to complete the entire corridor by mid-2026.

“All road sections are being worked on. In areas like Hwange, delays due to re-tendering will not stop progress,” said Minister Mhona.

Key Highlights:

100% of general labor must be recruited locally
Contractors are urged to employ women and source services (catering, accommodation) from local businesses

Why this matters

The Trabablas Interchange is one of the most detailed infrastructure cost disclosures in recent Zimbabwean history. While some costs (such as the US$10.8 million Bridge 10) may raise eyebrows, the government’s step toward transparency is being watched closely—especially in a challenging economic climate.

Transparency: For the first time, the government has provided granular public detail of infrastructure spending.
Employment: Local recruitment and gender inclusion policies are aimed at spreading the economic benefit.
Accountability: A clearer breakdown enables watchdogs, citizens, and economists to scrutinize cost efficiency.
Planning Tool: The figures offer a benchmark for future infrastructure budgeting and comparative regional analysis.

What’s Missing?

Progress updates on Mwenezi district roads and bridges, including the Mapwi-Neshuro route and several key rural bridges, were not included in the current release. Civil society groups are likely to push for further disclosure.