Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-The long-awaited construction of the Christmas Pass Bypass has taken a major step forward as bush clearing operations are now underway, sig-nalling the start of a transformative infrastructure project set to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and boost connectivity in Manicaland Province.
The Christmas Pass Bypass is a strategic initiative designed to alleviate chronic congestion along the existing Christmas Pass route, a vital transport corridor linking Mutare to other major regions in Zimbabwe and neighboring Mozambique.
The bypass will primarily redirect heavy haulage trucks away from the steep and winding Christmas Pass, providing a smoother, safer, and more efficient alternative.
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel times, lower vehicle operating costs, and support regional trade by facilitating smoother movement of goods.
The ongoing bush clearing marks the first visible phase of construction, pre-paring the ground for full-scale development. Engineers and construction teams are working to clear vegetation and level the terrain along the proposed route, ensuring a solid foundation for the new road.
“The commencement of bush clearing is a crucial milestone in this project. We are committed to delivering a world-class bypass that meets international standards and serves the needs of motorists and businesses for decades to come,” said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in a statement.
This preparatory work paves the way for the next stages, including earth-works, drainage installation, and road surfacing.
The Christmas Pass has long been a bottleneck for traffic, particularly for heavy trucks navigating its sharp curves and steep gradients. Frequent acci-dents and delays have underscored the need for an alternative route. The by-pass is expected to reduce congestion by diverting heavy vehicles away from the main pass and improve road safety by providing a more stable and less hazardous route for trucks.
The project is also aimed to boost trade efficiency by cutting transportation time for goods moving to and from the port of Beira in Mozambique and en-hance local mobility for residents and businesses in Mutare and surrounding areas.
Local businesses have welcomed the progress, noting that the bypass will be a game-changer for regional commerce.
“This project has been in the pipeline for years, and seeing it finally move forward is a relief. Easier access for freight transporters will lower costs and improve supply chain reliability, which is critical for our economy,” said Munyaradzi Rubaya, the director for Economic Development in the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
While the project promises significant benefits, authorities have assured stake-holders that environmental and social impact assessments have been conducted to minimise disruption. The bush clearing is being carried out with precautions to protect surrounding ecosystems, and affected communities have been con-sulted throughout the planning process.
“We are mindful of the environmental and social implications of this project. Measures are in place to ensure sustainable construction practices, and we will continue engaging with local residents to address any concerns, said Mani-caland Provincial Roads Engineer Raphael Sigauke.
Following the bush clearing phase, construction will proceed with grading, paving, and installation of necessary infrastructure such as bridges and drain-age systems. While an exact completion date has not been announced, officials estimate that the bypass could be operational within the next two to three years, depending on funding and weather conditions.
In addition to the construction of the bypass, two modern traffic interchanges, similar to the Trabablas Interchange, will be constructed at both ends of the 31,2km Christmas Pass Bypass Road.
The Christmas Pass Bypass is part of the Government’s broader road infra-structure expansion program, which aims to modernise Zimbabwe’s transport network and stimulate economic growth.
As work progresses, motorists and businesses in Manicaland are eagerly antic-ipating the positive changes the new route will bring.
