Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE state-of-the-art Mutare Dry Port, currently under construction, is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, ushering in a new era for transport, customs clearance and logistics services while cementing the city’s status as a regional trade gateway.
Once completed, the multi-million-dollar facility will consolidate key transport, customs and clearing operations under one roof, significantly reducing congestion at Forbes Border Post and improving the movement of cargo along the strategic Beira Corridor.
The dry port is expected to accelerate customs processing, shorten transit times for imports and exports, lower logistics costs, improve cargo security, attract investment in warehousing and distribution, and stimulate economic activity throughout Manicaland and beyond.
It is also set to strengthen trade linkages with neighbouring SADC countries, boost revenue collection, create employment opportunities and support value-addition industries, while easing the chronic truck congestion that has long characterised the Forbes Border corridor.
The facility will be equipped with modern cargo-handling infrastructure designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Planned equipment includes reach stackers, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, empty-container handlers and heavy-duty forklifts capable of handling palletised and break-bulk cargo.
Other features will include terminal tractors and skeletal trailers for internal cargo movement, weighbridges and truck scales, advanced customs scanning technology, refrigerated container monitoring systems, warehouse handling equipment, digital yard-management systems, CCTV surveillance and fire-suppression infrastructure.
Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) chief investment officer, Dr Farai Gaba, said the project was conceived as a lasting solution to the congestion challenges at Forbes Border Post, while driving economic transformation in Mutare.
Addressing a high-powered delegation that toured the facility last week, Dr Gaba said the development represents one of the most significant investments currently taking shape in the eastern border city.
The delegation comprised Public Service Commission chairman, Dr Vincent Hungwe, senior Government officials and representatives from various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries who attended the Public Service Retirement Conference in Mutare.
“This project sits on 26 hectares of land acquired in 2022. The planning and approval processes have since been completed and development is now underway. We are currently implementing Phase One of the project.
“When we came to Manicaland, we wanted to deliver a high-impact investment. We observed the congestion challenges at Forbes Border Post and decided to provide a sustainable solution while at the same time creating economic activity in Mutare,” he said.
Dr Gaba said the facility is designed to accommodate up to 800 haulage trucks daily, allowing customs and cargo-clearance processes to be conducted away from the border crossing.
“The trucks will be processed here, enabling ZIMRA and other agencies to carry out customs procedures off the main route. This will improve the flow of traffic and make Mutare more accessible and passable than it is today,” he said.
Datvest Asset Management general manager, Mr Tendai Muzadzi, said substantial resources were invested in the project, with the facility being designed to improve efficiency and ease of doing business.
“This development is specifically intended to decongest the road leading to Forbes Border Post. During peak periods, traffic congestion along that route becomes extremely challenging. We are creating an alternative system that will shift those activities here,” he said.
Mr Muzadzi said all major customs-related processes will eventually be conducted at the dry port.
“Bonded warehouse processes can begin from this facility. The impact on the local economy will be enormous. Even during construction, about half of the workforce has been drawn from Manicaland. We are also hiring machinery from local companies and sourcing materials from local suppliers,” he said.
He revealed that extensive groundwork had to be undertaken before construction could begin.
“When we started, the area was heavily covered and required major clearing and preparation. The past few months have been spent removing unsuitable materials and compacting the ground to ensure a stable foundation for development.”
Construction commenced in May this year, with Phase One expected to be completed by March 2027.
“As we move into Phase Two, Phase One will already be operational, enabling us to start delivering services while further developments continue,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge, said the project is already generating significant economic benefits through employment creation and local procurement.
“This is a very welcome development for Manicaland Province. The volume of trucks passing through Mutare every day is enormous and creates substantial pressure on our infrastructure. This project offers a practical and long-term solution,” he said.
Mr Maronge noted that hundreds of skilled and unskilled workers, including local graduates, have since secured employment through the project.
“We are already witnessing positive benefits for surrounding communities. Once completed, the dry port will trigger the growth of many related businesses and economic opportunities,” he said.
He added that the project will complement two other major infrastructure developments currently underway, namely the upgrading of Forbes Border Post and the construction of the Christmas Pass Bypass Road.
“We expect this facility to work seamlessly with the expansion of Forbes Border Post and the Christmas Pass Bypass Road project. Together, these developments will fundamentally change the movement of people and goods through Mutare and strengthen the province’s position as a strategic trade corridor,” said Mr Maronge.
