HARARE- Zimbabwean legislators have challenged Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube over a $26 million cost overrun on the Trabablas Interchange, a key infrastructure project on Masvingo Road aimed at easing congestion into Harare. The interchange, named after Zim President, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s war name “Trabablas,” was initially budgeted at $88 million, prompting scrutiny over the additional expenditure.
In a heated parliamentary session, MPs, including Hon. Bajila and Hon. Mutseyami, pressed Ncube to clarify the total cost and funding sources. Ncube explained that the project was funded by a $88 million loan from a consortium of contractors, supplemented by $26 million from the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR) facility to cover a required deposit. He attributed the overrun to unforeseen costs, primarily from relocating residents to clear space for the interchange, describing such variations as typical in large projects.
However, legislators expressed skepticism, arguing that relocation costs should have been anticipated in the original budget. Hon. Madzivanyika highlighted that the $88 million loan, gazetted in October 2021, was approved by parliament without mention of the additional $26 million, questioning Ncube’s authority to allocate the extra funds. Ncube defended his actions, stating that as Finance Minister, he has the power to address project variations without returning to parliament.
Breaking down the costs, Ncube noted that $65.5 million covered core infrastructure like drainage, road signs, and stabilization, while $16 million went to bridges and $6.8 million to supervisory and electrical works. The $26 million overrun was primarily for resident relocation, which he described as successfully managed.
MPs, including Hon. Mhangwa, called for a ministerial statement to address the 32% overrun, arguing that relocation costs should have been planned. Despite objections, the Speaker ruled that further questions be submitted in writing, as Ncube maintained the project’s success, calling the interchange a “world-class” achievement. He urged MPs to support replicating such infrastructure nationwide.
The debate has fueled concerns about corruption and overpriced tenders linked to the ruling ZANU-PF party. Critics argue that the significant cost overrun reflects a broader pattern of mismanagement in public projects, with allegations that inflated contracts may benefit politically connected elites, undermining transparency and accountability in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development.
