The Trabablas Interchange in Harare has sparked controversy over its $88 million cost. According to Ovum Corporation, one of the design lead companies, the interchange structure itself cost $65 million, while the remaining $23 million covers temporary detour works, relocation costs, and professional fees. The project was designed by South Africa-based consultant engineering companies Ovum Corporation and DNMZ.
The project was built by Tefoma, a joint venture between Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting, and Masimba Holdings, with construction led by local engineers headed by Lawrence Mberikwazvo of Masimba. The project was financed through a vendor financing model, with the government repaying the contractor over time. An $88 million loan agreement was gazetted in February 2023, with a 5% interest rate and a nine-month grace period.
The project faced delays, mainly due to disputes over property valuations and compensation for over 90 properties that had to be acquired. By late 2024, $38 million had been paid, covering around half of the claims. The project features 15 bridges, 12 kilometers of paved roads, and consumed 48,000 cubic meters of concrete and 32,000 tonnes of reinforced steel.
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