Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Government is in the final stages of preparing for the long-awaited expansion and modernisation of Forbes Border Post, with October 1 set as the target date for securing vacant possession of land required for the project.
The development marks a significant step towards the transformation of Zimbabwe’s busiest gateway to Mozambique, with affected businesses already winding down operations ahead of planned demolitions and construction works.
Clearing agents and other businesses operating near the border post have ceased operations as authorities push ahead with relocation processes to pave the way for the major infrastructure project.
According to the September 2026 progress report by Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Raphael Sigauke, Government has made substantial progress in compensating leaseholders affected by the project.
“On the aspect of land and vacant possession, the Government commenced valuation and compensation of affected leaseholders during the first quarter of 2026. Five of the six Government leaseholders have been compensated. The matter relating to the former commercial farmer remains outstanding and is under engagement with the Ministry of Lands,” said Engineer Sigauke.
He said the initial target for vacant possession was July 2, 2026, however, deficiencies in the service of notices extended the relocation programme, with October 1, 2026, the target for occupation.
“Verification exercises have confirmed that some affected occupants still require proper closure of the notification and relocation process. A final reconciled list of all persons requiring relocation is being pursued to ensure adequate resource allocation and alignment with the project Relocation Action Plan,” said Engineer Sigauke, adding that acquisition and compensation for the 4,3888-hectare service station property on Lot 1, Eastlands remains outstanding.
“Issuance of title deeds for the project land remains a priority and requires completion of the necessary cadastral and administrative processes,” he said, adding that revised designs and coordination of border infrastructure are continuing in preparation for construction.
“The revised Forbes Border Post Master Plan was submitted to the Government on March 18, 2026, following comments received on the initial submission. The VID platform was completed in February 2026, and works will continue there as part of the main project works. Detailed design development and coordination of the various border infrastructure work streams are continuing in preparation for construction,” said Engineer Sigauke.
On utilities and wayleaves, coordination with the Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED) is being pursued, with an agreement already in place.
“The existing Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) electricity infrastructure requires upgrading to meet the development’s power requirements. Guidance is being sought from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development regarding implementation responsibility and recovery of associated costs if these are to be met by the concessionaire. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wayleave remains outstanding and is being followed up,” said Engineer Sigauke, adding that statutory approvals and permits are also being finalised.
“Engagement continues with Mutare Rural District Council and City of Mutare regarding permits required for implementation. Mutare RDC has requested formal authorisation from the landowner, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, to process the demolition permit for the remainder of Eastlands Farm. Issuance of this letter remains an important outstanding action. Other required statutory approvals are being tracked to minimise delays once vacant possession is secured,” said Engineer Sigauke.
Construction was initially expected to begin in July 2026, but outstanding land-access matters affected mobilisation.
“Preparatory work is continuing so that physical implementation can proceed promptly once the land, permits and enabling infrastructure matters are concluded,” said Engineer Sigauke, adding that the project has advanced in design development, land administration and stakeholder coordination.
Engineer Sigauke said immediate priorities include securing vacant possession, completing outstanding relocations by the revised target date, finalising compensation for the service station property, progressing title deeds, securing the demolition permit and wayleave, resolving the ZETDC power upgrade and finalising preparations for mobilisation and the ground-breaking ceremony.
“Overall, the project has advanced materially in design development, land administration and stakeholder coordination. The principal risk to the implementation program remains the timely conclusion of land handover, relocation, utility and statutory approval processes,” said Engineer Sigauke.
