Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The construction of the much-awaited Christmas Pass by-pass road is expected to commence soon as the contractors have been mobilised for the project. The project is expected to take up to 15 months to complete.

The 31,2 km by-pass road will see heavy trucks to eastern border city of Mutare and those enroute to the port of Beira in Mozambique using Feruka Grand Reef Turn off to Forbes border post.

The new development aims to improve road infrastructure safety management in the eastern border city.

Many accidents have been recorded at Christmas Pass in recent years, leading to loss of lives and property and this prompted relevant authorities to take action. In an interview on Thursday, Provincial Road engineer for Manicaland province, Raphael Sigauke confirmed the developments, saying the bypass road will have fewer curves as well as a forgiving slope.

The idea to build a bypass was mooted years ago but never materialized due to lack of funding. He said an old design was being followed except in a few areas, which were redesigned to suit current ground conditions.

“To fix this problem, a new route has been proposed. The Christmas Pass bypass road has been designed. This has less curves as well as a forgiving slope. This project has so far commenced and is expected to be completed in 15 months’ time,” he said.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona confirmed the development saying contractors have been mobilised for the Christmas bypass road and works are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

“On Christmas Pass bypass, we are working on a bypass to avoid the Christmas pass via Feruka to Teachers college leading to Forbes border. “This 31,2 km aims to improve road infrastructure safety management and works are scheduled to start by third quarter of 2025 and completed by end of 2026; contractors have already been mobilised to site and are establishing their camp,” said Mhona.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza said this project is a priority for the government as it will save lives, boost trade and ease congestion in the eastern border city.

However, concerns have been raised about potential displacement of communities, land use conflicts and ecological disruptions. The Christmas Pass bypass road is a joint venture project between government and Leengate (Pvt) Limited.

New Ziana