THE Municipality of Gwanda is forging ahead with plans to construct a diversion road aimed at easing traffic congestion and supporting the town’s rapid expansion, an official has confirmed.
Mayor Thulani Moyo said the local authority has already begun considering the construction of a bypass road that will divert heavy traffic away from the central business district (CBD).
He said the town is expanding at a fast pace due to population growth and modernisation, making it necessary to introduce new infrastructure that responds to the town’s changing needs.
“We have since been considering this project as part of our 2026 planning,” Moyo said.
“The town is expanding and we must ease traffic congestion.”
The proposed diversion road is expected to benefit more than 400 households in surrounding areas, he said, further noting that motorists travelling from Beitbridge towards industrial zones would find it easier to use the new route instead of passing through the CBD.
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“The road is likely to pass through areas such as Jacaranda and Pina before linking up with other key routes.”
The mayor cited South Africa’s Petersburg as an example of how bypass roads can transform traffic flow.
He said Petersburg once had a single entry point, but now has a diversion that channels traffic outside the town before reconnecting with the main highway.
“That is the target, that Gwanda intends to replicate a similar model to support long-term growth.”
Moyo said the project will be undertaken using the municipality’s own resources, although equipment such as a bulldozer is still required to begin opening the road.
“Once groundwork is completed, surfacing and other processes will follow.”
The mayor further revealed that the bypass will link directly to the Dolfanten medium-density suburb, which is currently undergoing servicing, as well as to the servicing of the Spitzkop Hlalani Kuhle residential stands being handled by a contractor.
“The initiative will create a positive link for residents in newly developing areas while positioning Gwanda for sustainable growth.”