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Mutare Christmas Pass bypass project gaining momentum
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Construction of the long-awaited Mutare Christmas Pass Bypass and Interchange Project is gaining momentum, promising to transform the eastern border city's road network and tackle longstanding traffic congestion and safety challenges.
The project, a joint venture between government and Leengate Private Limited, aims to decongest the iconic but hazardous Christmas Pass, whose steep, winding slopes have long posed risks to motorists, particularly heavy trucks. Central to the initiative is a 31.2-kilometre bypass road designed to divert haulage traffic from the existing pass, easing congestion and reducing accidents caused by brake failures and sharp bends.
Project Manager Engineer Eric Zeu said construction, which began in August 2025, is progressing steadily despite weather-related delays. "The total length of the project is about 32 kilometres, and we are currently around 25 percent complete. The rainy season slowed progress, but our target is to complete the works by the end of the year," he said.
Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer Raphael Sigauke explained that the project involves extensive earthworks, including major cut-and-fill operations to stabilise the terrain. "We are constructing approximately 32.5 kilometres of road. At present, we are cutting through sections of the mountain and carrying out backfilling of up to 10 metres in some areas," he said.
In addition to the bypass, the project includes two modern interchanges to ensure smooth traffic flow and improved connectivity. Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the development addresses long-standing safety concerns in the province. "Our President is a listening President. As Manicaland, we have faced serious challenges at Christmas Pass, including frequent accidents caused by trucks losing brakes. The President listened, and this project was initiated. We are pleased that work is now underway," he said.
The project forms part of a broader national infrastructure modernisation drive under the Second Republic. Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said the bypass aligns with ongoing strategic transport investments. "In terms of infrastructure activities taking place under the 100-day cycle projects, there is the Mutare Bypass Road and the Forbes Border Post, which is part of an integrated uniformity plan. We have finalised the Beitbridge Border Post, and now focus is both on Chirundu post in Mashonaland West and the Forbes Border Post. This is part of the modernisation thrust that the Second Republic has managed to achieve," Dr Muswere said.
As of last Friday, the project had moved beyond the bush-clearing stage, with construction teams and heavy machinery fully engaged in earthworks and foundation construction along the route. Once completed, the Mutare Christmas Pass Bypass is expected to enhance road safety, improve efficiency for cross-border trade, and ease congestion at Zimbabwe's eastern gateway.
The project, a joint venture between government and Leengate Private Limited, aims to decongest the iconic but hazardous Christmas Pass, whose steep, winding slopes have long posed risks to motorists, particularly heavy trucks. Central to the initiative is a 31.2-kilometre bypass road designed to divert haulage traffic from the existing pass, easing congestion and reducing accidents caused by brake failures and sharp bends.
Project Manager Engineer Eric Zeu said construction, which began in August 2025, is progressing steadily despite weather-related delays. "The total length of the project is about 32 kilometres, and we are currently around 25 percent complete. The rainy season slowed progress, but our target is to complete the works by the end of the year," he said.
Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer Raphael Sigauke explained that the project involves extensive earthworks, including major cut-and-fill operations to stabilise the terrain. "We are constructing approximately 32.5 kilometres of road. At present, we are cutting through sections of the mountain and carrying out backfilling of up to 10 metres in some areas," he said.
In addition to the bypass, the project includes two modern interchanges to ensure smooth traffic flow and improved connectivity. Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the development addresses long-standing safety concerns in the province. "Our President is a listening President. As Manicaland, we have faced serious challenges at Christmas Pass, including frequent accidents caused by trucks losing brakes. The President listened, and this project was initiated. We are pleased that work is now underway," he said.
The project forms part of a broader national infrastructure modernisation drive under the Second Republic. Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said the bypass aligns with ongoing strategic transport investments. "In terms of infrastructure activities taking place under the 100-day cycle projects, there is the Mutare Bypass Road and the Forbes Border Post, which is part of an integrated uniformity plan. We have finalised the Beitbridge Border Post, and now focus is both on Chirundu post in Mashonaland West and the Forbes Border Post. This is part of the modernisation thrust that the Second Republic has managed to achieve," Dr Muswere said.
As of last Friday, the project had moved beyond the bush-clearing stage, with construction teams and heavy machinery fully engaged in earthworks and foundation construction along the route. Once completed, the Mutare Christmas Pass Bypass is expected to enhance road safety, improve efficiency for cross-border trade, and ease congestion at Zimbabwe's eastern gateway.
Source - ZBC
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