‎‎Harare, (New Ziana) – The Government has officially commenced early works on the long-awaited upgrade of the Forbes Border Post in Mutare, signalling a major stride in the country’s broader infrastructure transformation drive, said a senior Government official.

‎In a statement, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Joy Makumbe said the initial phase of the project follows the signing of the Concession Agreement between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Forbes Border Consortium (FBC) on 28 January this year.

‎The Early Works programme is aimed at preparing the site for the full-scale construction of a modern, efficient, and secure border facility, said Makumbe.

‎”This includes setting up essential temporary facilities, securing the site, carrying out surveys and investigations, undertaking initial earthworks and drainage, and completing other preparatory works necessary to enable the main project to proceed smoothly. “Once completed, the prepared site will also be utilised as a temporary truck staging area, providing immediate relief from congestion at the Forbes Border Post ahead of the main construction phase,” said Makumbe.

‎This move is expected to ease logistical bottlenecks and enhance the flow of goods and people during the transitional period.

‎The Forbes Border Post upgrade is central to efforts to modernise border and road infrastructure along the North-South Corridor—a vital regional trade artery that connects southern Africa to international markets.

‎Makumbe said the project builds on the successful completion of the Beitbridge Border Post upgrade and is being implemented in parallel with the Chirundu One Stop Border Post enhancement.

‎”These initiatives are not isolated. Together, they represent a coordinated effort to establish a seamless, efficient, and modern trade facilitation network across the region. This positions Zimbabwe as the preferred transit hub, linking the region to global commerce,” she said.
New Ziana