Gwanda to construct a bypass to ease congestion

The Municipality of Gwanda is moving forward with plans to construct a diversion road aimed at reducing congestion in the town's central business district (CBD) and supporting rapid urban expansion.

Mayor Thulani Moyo confirmed that the local authority has begun planning a bypass that will divert heavy traffic away from the CBD, accommodating population growth and modernisation.

"We have since been considering this project as part of our 2026 planning. The town is expanding and we must ease traffic congestion," Moyo said.

The proposed road is expected to benefit over 400 households in surrounding areas and provide motorists travelling from Beitbridge to the industrial zones with an alternative route that avoids the CBD. The bypass is likely to pass through Jacaranda and Pina before linking with other key routes.

Moyo cited Petersburg as an example of how bypass roads can transform traffic flow, noting that Petersburg now channels traffic outside the town before reconnecting with the main highway. "That is the target, that Gwanda intends to replicate a similar model to support long-term growth," he said.

The project will be funded using municipal resources, though equipment such as a bulldozer is still required to begin roadworks. Once groundwork is completed, surfacing and other construction processes will follow.

The bypass will also link directly to the Dolfanten medium-density suburb, which is currently being serviced, and to the Spitzkop Hlalani Kuhle residential stands, managed by a contractor. Mayor Moyo emphasised that the initiative will create improved connectivity for residents in newly developing areas while positioning Gwanda for sustainable growth.