By Tendai Guvamombe
HARARE, April 27, 2026 — In a major stride for Zimbabwe’s transport sector, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, officially commissioned the newly constructed Manyame Bridge along Beatrice Road this Monday. The bridge, a sophisticated piece of engineering designed for a 100-year lifespan, represents a critical piece of the puzzle in the government’s ongoing Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Dualization Project.
A Strategic Link to Regional Trade
The commissioning of Manyame Bridge is more than just a local victory; it is a central component of the North-South Corridor. By bridging the Manyame River, the government has effectively removed a notorious bottleneck that previously slowed the movement of commercial freight. Minister Mhona emphasized that this infrastructure serves as a gateway connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi, reinforcing the nation’s status as a regional logistics hub.
Easing Traffic and Enhancing Urban Connectivity
Beyond regional trade, the bridge offers immediate relief to the residents of Harare South and surrounding areas.
- Tollgate Congestion: The dualized bridge is expected to significantly reduce the traffic gridlock frequently experienced at the nearby Skyline Tollgate.
- Local Access: Residents using Landas Road and the wider Beatrice Road corridor will now enjoy smoother, safer transit.
- Harare’s New Network: The bridge is part of a grander vision for Harare’s road system. Minister Mhona noted that this work complements the Trabablas Interchange, allowing motorists to bypass the city center when traveling toward the New Parliament Building or connecting to Mutare Road.
“With the new network under our work in progress, one would not go straight into town when wanting to go to New Parliament Building… The same when going to the east one would avoid town by connecting with Mutare road straight from Trabablas Interchange,” — Hon. Felix Mhona.
Road Ahead: High Glen and Willowvale
The Minister further revealed that works are currently being prioritized for the construction of High Glen and Willowvale Road. These projects are designed to ensure that the increased traffic flow from the newly dualized highways does not overwhelm the city’s internal arteries. With 550km of the 580km Harare-Beitbridge highway now complete, Zimbabwe is well on its way to achieving a world-class road network.