Mutare to get 2 traffic interchanges before Bulawayo

Preliminary construction work has commenced on the much-anticipated Christmas Pass Bypass Road, a 31.2-kilometre project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and reducing frequent accidents on the notorious Christmas Pass. The project, valued at US$99 million, is being undertaken by Leengate Private Limited and is expected to be completed within the next 15 months.

The bypass will feature two modern traffic interchanges similar in design to the Trabablas Interchange, situated at both ends of the new route. One interchange will be located at Romeo Turn-off, marking the beginning of the project, while the other will be at Mutare Teachers' College, where the bypass will connect with the Mutare-Chimanimani Highway.

The development comes as a government and private sector partnership response to the persistent safety challenges posed by heavily laden haulage trucks navigating the steep curves of Christmas Pass. Brake failures and jack-knifing incidents have turned the area into a death trap, with accidents occurring almost weekly.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona confirmed the commencement of work last Friday, noting the importance of the interchanges in the project.

Engineer Raphael Sugauke, Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer, stated that Leengate (Pvt) Ltd had begun clearing the first site camp at Romeo Turn-off last Thursday, with plans to clear the first four kilometres of the route next. The project also includes the construction of several bridges along the bypass.

Leengate director Commence Chivanga explained that mobilisation of equipment and materials is an ongoing process aligned with the project's schedule, emphasizing the continuous nature of the work.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, hailed the project as evidence of the Second Republic's commitment to delivering on infrastructure promises. He expressed hope that the bypass will ease the high traffic volumes and reduce the frequent accidents currently experienced along the Christmas Pass and in Mutare's Central Business District.

The project also includes plans to revamp the problematic Sakubva (Murahwa) People's Green Market Bridge, which has been a persistent bottleneck.

In line with environmental and social safeguards, Leengate commissioned ELWAS (Pvt) Ltd, a registered local consultancy, to conduct a mandatory Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). The study aims to identify and mitigate any adverse effects during the construction phase.

Once completed, the Christmas Pass Bypass Road is expected to significantly improve safety and traffic flow for motorists traveling through the Mutare region, particularly those using the critical Beira Corridor towards Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.