Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT is preparing to relocate 43 households to pave way for the US$320 million expansion of Forbes Border Post, with 24 businesses that operated there already compensated and removed from the project site.
Government had set October 1, 2026 as the target date for securing vacant possession of land required for the project, marking a significant step towards the transformation of Zimbabwe’s busiest gateway to Mozambique.
Already, clearing agents and other businesses that were operating near the border post have ceased operations as authorities push ahead with relocation processes to pave the way for the major infrastructure project.
The affected families, mainly former farm workers and informal settlers, will receive alternative land, two-roomed houses, solar power systems and livelihood support as part of their compensation package from the Government.
In an interview this week, the Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion in the Office of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya, said authorities are identifying suitable land for the resettlement programme.
“The construction of Forbes Border Post is still at the preliminary stage of land acquisition. We have about 43 households that will be relocated to pave way for the expansion. We are identifying suitable alternative land for the affected families,” said Mr Rubaya, adding that the Government will help families establish new homes and provide opportunities to sustain their livelihoods.
“All affected people will be relocated to a planned settlement and assisted to establish new homesteads. Each family will receive a two-roomed core house, which they can extend over time.
Government will also establish two Village Business Units to support their livelihoods and provide households with solar power systems. They are not being abandoned,” he said.
Mr Rubaya said 24 businesses operating within the project area, including the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) depot, had received financial compensation and vacated the site.
The relocation programme forms part of preliminary works for the border post’s expansion, which Government expects to improve trade facilitation, cargo handling and the movement of people and goods between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Government plans to invest about US$320 million in the project between 2026 and 2028.
Forbes Border Post forms part of the Beira Corridor, a regional transport network linking Zimbabwe to Mozambique’s Beira Port through road, rail and pipeline infrastructure. The corridor facilitates regional trade and the movement of imports and exports.
The border post has become an important transit route, with about 800 trucks passing through daily, reflecting growing demand for cargo clearance and transport services.
The expansion is expected to reduce clearance times, ease congestion and improve the handling of travellers and freight.
To complement the project, Government is also developing Mutare Dry Port through the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and constructing the Christmas Pass Bypass Road.
The two projects are expected to improve freight movement, ease pressure on Mutare’s road network and facilitate the movement of imports, exports and transit cargo destined for countries including
Construction was initially scheduled to begin in July 2026, but outstanding land-access issues delayed mobilisation.
Preparatory work is continuing, with physical construction expected to begin once land access, permits and supporting infrastructure arrangements are finalised.
The project has progressed in design development, land administration and stakeholder coordination.
However, implementation remains dependent on resolving outstanding land and regulatory issues.
Key priorities include securing vacant possession, completing the remaining relocations, finalising compensation for the service station property, processing title deeds, obtaining demolition and wayleave permits, resolving the ZETDC power upgrade and completing preparations for mobilisation and the ground-breaking ceremony.
43 families, 24 firms make way for Forbes transformation
