Calls for Audit as Trabablas Interchange Costs Jump by $26 Million

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube came under intense scrutiny in Parliament this week after revelations that the Trabablas Interchange project had incurred an unexpected additional cost of US\$26 million.

During a heated session, Hon. Prosper Mutseyami directly questioned Minister Ncube on the supplementary expenditure, demanding a clear explanation of how such a substantial figure arose after the project’s budget had already been approved.

“Can you substantiate to the House as to how this supplementary US\$26 million would just come about when the budget had already been sorted, then we have extra figures to a situation of adding US\$26 million? How do you account for that, Hon. Minister?” asked Mutseyami.

Minister Ncube defended the expenditure, citing unforeseen structural modifications and rising material costs as key drivers of the additional funding requirement.

He argued that these adjustments were necessary to ensure the safety and long-term durability of the interchange, which is viewed as a flagship infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion in the capital.

However, lawmakers across the aisle expressed skepticism over the explanation, accusing the Ministry of poor planning and lack of transparency.

Some MPs also raised concerns about potential mismanagement or misuse of public funds, calling for a full audit of the project’s finances.

The Trabablas Interchange, initially hailed as a major step toward modernizing Harare’s transport infrastructure, has now become a flashpoint in ongoing debates over government accountability and fiscal discipline.

Parliament is expected to summon further hearings to review detailed project documents and expenditure reports.

Meanwhile, public interest groups have urged the government to release all related contracts and procurement records to ensure transparency.

As the controversy unfolds, pressure is mounting on Minister Ncube to provide concrete evidence justifying the additional costs and to reassure both Parliament and the public that funds are being managed responsibly.

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