Story by Gay Matambo
CONSTRUCTION of the long-awaited Mutare Christmas Pass Bypass and Interchange Project is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a major transformation of the eastern border city’s road network and addressing longstanding traffic congestion and safety challenges.
The project, being implemented through a joint venture between government and Leengate Private Limited, is designed to decongest the iconic but hazardous Christmas Pass, whose steep and winding slopes have for decades posed risks to motorists, particularly heavy haulage traffic.
At the heart of the initiative is a 31.2 kilometre bypass road intended to divert trucks away from the existing pass, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing accidents linked to brake failure and sharp bends.
Project Manager Engineer Eric Zeu said construction began in August 2025 and 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 Mr Raphael Sigauke said 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 road, the project includes the construction of two modern interchanges to ensure smooth traffic movement and improved connectivity.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the development responds directly to long-standing safety concerns raised by 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 in terms of the 100-day cycle projects, there is the Mutare by pass road and the Forbes border Post which is part of an integrated uniformity plan as 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,” Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said.
As of Friday, the project had progressed beyond the bush-clearing stage, with construction teams and heavy machinery now fully engaged in earthworks and foundation construction along the route.
Once completed, the Mutare Christmas Pass Bypass is expected to significantly enhance road safety, improve efficiency for cross-border trade and ease congestion in the eastern gateway to Zimbabwe.
