Christmas Pass bypass road construction set for 2024

◆ has been a big problem for motorists in recent years.

“On the Forbes Border Post, plans are already afoot to expand the port of entry. We will be utilising the space on the part of Mutare along the way to the border to set up new world class structures,” said Minister Mhona.

Government sealed a deal with local contractor, Leengate Private Limited, for the construction of the Christmas Pass by-pass road.

In April, Cabinet announced plans to construct a 33km road to serve as an alternative route in and out of Mutare.

This was occasioned by the high number of road traffic accidents, especially those involving haulage trucks, at Christmas Pass as well as dilapidation of road infrastructure as well as congestion in Mutare Central Business District owing to haulage trucks.

The new road will access Forbes Border Post and relieve congestion along Christmas Pass Road.

The project is expected to dovetail with the construction of a new dry port to improve cargo clearance at the border post. An average of 900 trucks are being cleared at Forbes Border Post daily, which often results in long queues stretching for over 15km.

Meanwhile, Minister Mhona saidthe country’s tollgates need to be revamped by the end of next year.

“As we leave this place, I call upon the Permanent Secretary to lead efforts in ensuring that we put in place requisite policy and legislative instruments for ZINARA to start refurbishing all tollgates across the country so that by the end of 2024 they will all the revamped.

“Unwarranted procrastination and those who want to derail progress on this project shall not be tolerated.

“I yearn for close cooperation between my ministry and ZINARA towards the construction and refurbishment of tollgates, installation of cutting-edge software technologies for seamless revenue collection and passage through tolling. That will boost revenue collection and boost the road fund for sustainable road maintenance,” said Minister Mhona.