bg_image
Current & Planned Initiatives

Strategic Development Projects

Explore our comprehensive portfolio of ongoing and planned development projects driving growth across Mutare Rural District

Showing 8 Projects
Filter by Status:

Christmas Pass Bypass Road Construction

Infrastructure Ongoing
Christmas Pass Bypass Road

Construction of the Christmas Pass Bypass Road has commenced, with most of the route under MRDC jurisdiction. This strategic infrastructure project aims to decongest traffic flow, improve road safety, and enhance connectivity within our district. The bypass will significantly reduce travel time and support the growing commercial traffic through our region.

Key Features & Objectives:
  • Decongestion of Christmas Pass traffic bottlenecks
  • Implementation of modern road safety measures
  • Enhanced connectivity within MRDC territory
  • Support for increased commercial and tourist traffic
  • Improved emergency service access routes
  • Integration with existing transport networks
Project Details:

Location: Christmas Pass, Mutare Rural District

Timeline: January 2024 - December 2025

Budget: USD 15 Million

Contractor: National Roads Authority

Impact Area: 36 Wards, 306,760 residents

Progress: 40% Complete

Expected Benefits:
  • 30% reduction in travel time through Christmas Pass
  • Improved road safety with 50% fewer accidents projected
  • Enhanced logistics efficiency for commercial transport
  • Creation of 500+ temporary construction jobs
  • Boost to local businesses through improved access
  • Increased property values in surrounding areas

Grand Reef Airstrip Expansion & Modernization

Transport Completed
Grand Reef Airstrip

The Grand Reef Airstrip expansion project has been successfully completed, transforming it into a modern aviation facility capable of handling 50-seat aircraft. This strategic upgrade enhances regional connectivity, supports business travel efficiency, and improves cargo transport capabilities between Harare and Mutare.

Key Upgrades Completed:
  • Extended runway for 50-seat aircraft operations
  • Modern terminal building with passenger facilities
  • Enhanced lighting and navigation systems
  • Improved cargo handling infrastructure
  • Expanded parking apron and taxiways
  • Advanced security and surveillance systems
Project Details:

Location: Grand Reef, Mutare

Completion Date: December 2024

Investment: USD 8.5 Million

Runway Length: 1,800 meters

Capacity: 200 passengers daily

Operator: Air Zimbabwe & Private Charter

Achieved Benefits:
  • 50% increase in passenger capacity
  • 40% reduction in business travel time
  • Enhanced cargo handling efficiency
  • Boost to tourism and business investment
  • Creation of 150 permanent jobs
  • Improved emergency medical evacuation capability

Forbes Border Post Commercial Development Zone

Infrastructure Ongoing
Forbes Border Post

Forbes Border Post has emerged as Zimbabwe's busiest commercial border, surpassing Beitbridge in traffic processing. This project focuses on developing comprehensive commercial infrastructure and services to support the growing trade volume and capitalize on unprecedented investment opportunities.

Development Components:
  • Modern truck stops and rest areas with amenities
  • Commercial complexes with lodges and hotels
  • Entertainment and recreation centers
  • Freight forwarding and logistics parks
  • Customs clearing and forwarding agencies
  • Packaged tourism and travel service centers
Project Details:

Location: Forbes Border Post, MRDC

Timeline: Multi-phase through 2026

Investment: USD 25 Million (Phase 1)

Traffic Volume: 500+ trucks daily

Partners: ZIMRA, ZINARA, Private Sector

Progress: Phase 1 - 60% Complete

Expected Economic Impact:
  • Creation of 1,000+ direct jobs
  • Reduction of border crossing time by 40%
  • Increased trade efficiency and volume
  • Boost to hospitality and service industries
  • Enhanced regional economic integration
  • Increased revenue from border services

Eco-Tourism Destinations Development Initiative

Tourism Ongoing
Eco-Tourism Development

This comprehensive initiative focuses on developing sustainable eco-tourism destinations across MRDC's natural attractions. The project promotes responsible tourism while creating economic opportunities and preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

Development Sites & Activities:
  • Vumba Mountains: Luxury eco-lodges and hiking trails
  • Mapembe Game Reserve: Safari camps and wildlife viewing
  • Nyachowa Falls: Adventure park and waterfall tours
  • Hot Springs: Wellness retreats and spa facilities
  • Cultural Heritage: Traditional village experiences
  • Adventure Tourism: Ziplining and outdoor activities
Project Details:

Locations: Vumba, Mapembe, Nyachowa, Hot Springs

Timeline: 2024-2027 (Phased Development)

Investment: USD 12 Million (Total)

Focus: Sustainable Tourism Development

Partners: ZTA, Conservation Organizations

Target: 50,000+ annual visitors by 2027

Sustainable Benefits:
  • Creation of 800+ sustainable tourism jobs
  • Preservation of natural and cultural heritage
  • Diversification of local economies
  • Increased foreign currency earnings
  • Community empowerment through tourism
  • Enhanced environmental conservation

Agricultural Value Addition & Processing Centers

Agriculture Ongoing
Agro-Processing Facility

This initiative focuses on establishing modern agro-processing facilities across key agricultural regions in MRDC. By adding value to local agricultural produce, we aim to increase farmer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and create employment opportunities in rural areas.

Processing Facilities Development:
  • Burma Valley: Fruit drying and juicing plants
  • Nyamajura: Meat packing and processing unit
  • Odzi: Tobacco processing and grading facility
  • Textile Production: Cotton processing center
  • Cold Storage: Regional distribution centers
  • Packaging: Modern packaging facilities
Project Details:

Regions: Burma Valley, Nyamajura, Odzi

Timeline: 2024-2026 (Phased)

Investment: USD 18 Million

Crops Focus: Horticulture, Tobacco, Banana

Model: Public-Private Partnership

Capacity: 50,000+ tons annually

Agricultural Transformation Impact:
  • 60% increase in farmer incomes through value addition
  • Reduction of post-harvest losses by 40%
  • Creation of 1,200+ processing jobs
  • Enhanced food security and nutrition
  • Increased export earnings from processed goods
  • Development of agricultural entrepreneurship

Strategic Logistics & Warehousing Hubs

Infrastructure Planned
Logistics Hub

This planned project involves developing state-of-the-art logistics hubs along the Forbes-Beira corridor. These facilities will enhance regional trade connectivity, improve cargo handling efficiency, and position MRDC as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa.

Planned Facilities & Services:
  • Modern warehousing with climate control
  • Bonded cargo and customs facilities
  • Cross-docking and distribution centers
  • Freight forwarding service centers
  • Cold chain logistics infrastructure
  • Technology-enabled tracking systems
Project Details:

Location: Forbes-Beira Corridor

Timeline: 2025-2027 (Planning Phase)

Estimated Cost: USD 30 Million

Focus: Regional Trade Connectivity

Capacity: 100,000+ pallet positions

Partners: Regional Development Agencies

Expected Trade Benefits:
  • 50% reduction in cargo handling time
  • Increased trade volume through the corridor
  • Creation of 2,000+ logistics sector jobs
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency
  • Attraction of regional distribution centers
  • Boost to export-oriented industries

Digital Economy & Smart Agriculture Platform

Digital Economy Ongoing
Digital Agriculture

This innovative project implements digital economy solutions through smart agriculture platforms and rural fintech services. By leveraging technology, we aim to revolutionize farming practices, improve market access, and enhance financial inclusion across our rural communities.

Digital Initiatives Implementation:
  • Smart agriculture mobile platforms for farmers
  • Digital market access and price information systems
  • Rural fintech and mobile banking solutions
  • Agricultural extension services via digital channels
  • Weather and climate information systems
  • Supply chain tracking and traceability
Project Details:

Coverage: All 36 Wards of MRDC

Timeline: 2024-2025 (Rollout)

Investment: USD 5 Million

Technology: Mobile-First Solutions

Target Users: 70,000+ households

Partners: Telecom Companies, Fintech

Digital Transformation Benefits:
  • 30% increase in farmer productivity
  • Improved market prices for agricultural produce
  • Enhanced financial inclusion in rural areas
  • Reduction in agricultural information gap
  • Creation of digital entrepreneurship opportunities
  • Improved resilience to climate change

Light Industries Development & Attraction Program

Industry Ongoing
Light Industry

This program focuses on attracting and developing light manufacturing industries across MRDC. By creating an enabling environment for industrial growth, we aim to diversify our economic base, create employment, and stimulate local economic development.

Target Industry Sectors:
  • Timber processing and furniture manufacturing
  • Tobacco processing and cigarette production
  • Textile and garment manufacturing
  • Food processing and packaging
  • Building materials production
  • Plastic and rubber products manufacturing
Project Details:

Focus: Industrial Park Development

Timeline: 2024-2028 (Multi-phase)

Investment: USD 40 Million (Target)

Location: Designated Industrial Zones

Incentives: Tax holidays, infrastructure

Target: 50+ light industries by 2028

Industrial Development Impact:
  • Creation of 5,000+ industrial jobs
  • Diversification of local economy
  • Increased value addition to local resources
  • Enhanced skills development and training
  • Growth of supporting service industries
  • Increased municipal revenue from industry

Join Our Mailing List

For receiving our news and updates in your inbox directly.