Fatal Accident at Mnangagwa’s Roundabout Site
7 January 2025
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the accident scene at Trabablas Interchange

By Farai D Hove | Harare – A tragic crane accident has claimed the life of a worker at the construction site of the Trabablas Interchange, a roundabout named after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s nickname, “Trabablas.” The incident occurred on January 6, 2025, during the dismantling of a static tower crane, which collapsed alongside a mobile crane being used for operations.

This high-profile project, celebrated as a key legacy of Mnangagwa’s administration, has now been marred by the fatal accident, raising questions about the safety measures and oversight at the construction site.

Details of the Incident

The mishap occurred when a mechanical failure caused both cranes to collapse during routine decommissioning. The deceased, an employee of the subcontracted rigging firm Manzlink Pvt Ltd, was performing duties at the time of the accident. Tefoma Construction, the main contractor, has since issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging cooperation with authorities investigating the incident.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the deceased’s family and colleagues,” Tefoma said. “We are committed to working with the authorities to identify the cause of this mechanical failure and ensure safety standards are upheld moving forward.”

Safety Concerns at a Presidential Project

The Trabablas Interchange, touted as a major infrastructural achievement by the Mnangagwa administration, has now come under scrutiny for its safety protocols. While engineers insist that the bridge structure remains largely unaffected and the project timeline will continue, the fatality has cast a shadow over its progress and reputation.

Critics have previously questioned the project’s management, arguing that its naming after Mnangagwa reflects the president’s desire to secure a legacy while diverting attention from Zimbabwe’s broader infrastructural and economic challenges. The latest incident adds fuel to these concerns, with opposition leaders pointing to lapses in safety as evidence of inadequate governance.

“This tragic accident should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize worker safety over political vanity projects,” said one opposition spokesperson.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses reported a harrowing scene as the cranes collapsed. “It was terrifying,” said one worker at the site. “We’ve always trusted the safety standards here, but something clearly went wrong this time. It’s heartbreaking.”

Videos and images from the scene show the collapsed cranes lying across the construction site, with rescue and investigation teams working to assess the damage and prevent further incidents.

Impact on Mnangagwa’s Legacy

Named in honor of Mnangagwa’s nickname, “Trabablas,” the interchange was envisioned as a symbol of progress under his leadership, promising to revolutionize traffic flow in Harare. However, the accident threatens to overshadow the project’s achievements, adding to a growing list of controversies surrounding Mnangagwa’s administration.

The opposition has seized on the incident to critique the project’s priorities. “While the president names infrastructure after himself, Zimbabweans are paying the price in blood. This is yet another example of misplaced priorities,” said a prominent activist.

Investigations Underway

A full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the mechanical failure. Tefoma Construction and Manzlink Pvt Ltd have pledged full cooperation with authorities. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to the highest safety standards at all its project sites.

As the public demands answers and accountability, the tragedy at Mnangagwa’s “Trabablas” Roundabout has shifted focus from its ambitious goals to its human and operational costs. More updates are expected as investigations progress.