Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE long-awaited Christmas Pass Bypass Road project as well as other road upgrading projects in the province, have finally broken ground, with Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona applauding the progress made so far.
Minister Mhona stressed that Government remains dedicated to deliver modern and durable infrastructure in the province, and across the country.
Minister Mhona toured the construction site last week, where he witnessed first-hand the project’s transformation from a long-standing promise to an active construction reality.
Earthworks are already underway, serving as a tangible testament to Government’s commitment to the project. This development is a significant milestone for the province, as the Christmas Pass Bypass Road seeks to address the persistent safety concerns and traffic congestion associated with the existing, and meandering route — and eventually enhance road safety and facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people in the province.
The project’s scope includes the construction of three modern traffic interchanges, modelled after the Trabablas Interchange in Harare, at both ends of the 31,2km bypass road. The construction is being undertaken by Leengate Private Limited, with an expected completion timeline of a year, and a project value of US$99 million.
In addition to the bypass road, the project also encompasses the rehabilitation of the Sakubva (Murahwa) People’s Green Market Bridge, which has been in a state of disrepair for an extended period.
“The Christmas Pass Bypass Road has been long overdue, but we are now witnessing tangible progress. We have transitioned from planning to action, with construction underway on the 31,2km bypass road, which will feature three interchanges. I am pleased to report that the project is on track to meet its deadline, with contractors committing to deliver the road within a year,” said Minister Mhona.
Minister Mhona explained that the contractors have assured Government that the road will be completed and handed over within 13 months.
The bypass is expected to significantly alleviate congestion at the notorious Christmas Pass section along the Harare-Mutare Highway, where motorists have long suffered delays due to steep gradients, heavy traffic, and accident risks.
Minister Mhona said the road’s progress is a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to modernising national infrastructure under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
He reiterated Government’s determination to ensure that all road projects nationwide adhere to the highest standards of quality.
“As a ministry, we are witnessing widespread rehabilitation projects in Mutare and beyond. This progress is a result of collective effort, and I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for allocating the necessary resources,” said Minister Mhona.
He highlighted a significant shift in Government’s approach to project funding, abandoning the previous practice of releasing funds upfront.
“Under the new system, payments are only made upon satisfactory completion of work. We have stationed resident engineers at every site to monitor progress and quality, ensuring that subpar work is a thing of the past,” said Minister Mhona.
In addition to the bypass road, Minister Mhona revealed that the expansion of Forbes Border Post is also a top priority for Government. Feasibility studies have been completed, and major construction work is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
“Forbes Border Post has long been a bottleneck due to its narrow infrastructure, struggling to cope with increasing traffic volume.
We are committed to widening and modernising the facility to facilitate seamless movement of goods and people, transforming it into a world-class border post and boosting trade in the province,” said Minister Mhona.
Addressing another congestion hotspot, Minister Mhona said Government is also tackling the bottleneck at the bridge near the flyover along the Mutare-Chimanimani Highway.
“The stretch has been problematic for years, with the road narrowing at the bridge, causing unnecessary delays. To address this, we are installing a temporary bridge to ensure smooth four-lane traffic flow while we work on a permanent solution. This is part of our broader commitment to enhancing connectivity and ease of movement within the city,” he said.
In other developments proving that Government is walking the talk in the inclusive development agenda, contractors now on site to commence surfacing the Odzi-Marange, Headlands-Chiendambuya and Nyabadza-Odzi roads.
Minister Mhona emphasised that these projects are integral to a comprehensive infrastructure development masterplan, designed to position Zimbabwe as a competitive economy.
In an interview on the sidelines of the tour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza hailed the Christmas Pass Bypass project as a long-awaited solution to one of Mutare’s most pressing transport challenges.
“The Christmas Pass road has been a persistent problem for us in Mutare. We are thrilled that the bypass road project is now underway, featuring interchanges that will greatly improve traffic flow,” said Minister Mugadza.
He also welcomed Government’s intervention at the Mutare-Chimanimani bridge, acknowledging the daily congestion struggles faced by motorists. “Traffic would often pile up at the bridge due to the narrow road, causing unnecessary delays. The Minister’s assurance that a temporary bridge will be constructed to facilitate four-lane traffic flow is indeed welcome news,” said Minister Mugadza.
Both Ministers concurred that the projects would have far-reaching benefits, enhancing the lives of road users in Manicaland while strengthening provincial trade and transport systems.
They emphasized that the roadworks are integral to Government’s broader strategy under Vision 2030, aimed at modernising infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, and creating a safer, more efficient transport network.
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