adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge East legislator Cde Albert Nguluvhe has challenged local authorities here to come up with investor friendly policies to boost the district and the country’s economic development.
He said the area has a number of businesses opportunities awaiting exploitation.
The town as an estimated population of 70 000 and has investment opportunities in education (primary, secondary and tertiary), imports and exports, manufacturing, car rentals, travel consultants, accommodation, packaging, transport and logistics, among others.
Cde Nguluvhe made the call during a recent constituency feedback meeting held at Beitbridge District Club.
“This area has a number of businesses opportunities which if properly exploited will boost our economic growth and also feed into the national annual GDP,” he said.
“Beitbridge town is strategically located for investment. I urge our local authorities to consider coming up with investor friendly policies.
“Our area must be turned into a dry port for imports and exports processing along with other line industries, which play a key role in international and regional trade.
“Let’s work together and see how best we can benefit from the devolution concept to grow our local economy. This (devolution) is one aspect we must embrace”.
He said though the local authorities were being run by two different political parties it was critical for the leaders to be selfless and work together with one vision.
Cde Nguluvhe said the election mood was over and that it was time to roll out people- centred service delivery.
Beitbridge Municipality is currently under the MDC-Alliance and the Rural District Council is run by Zanu-PF councillors.
“Let me also advise you that I am also finalising some projects with different players to boost the growth of small to medium enterprises. You will be advised of the progress in due course.
“In addition, let me repeat that my door is open to the mayor (MDC-Alliance) and his councillors. Our main focus should be on service delivery rather than political affiliation,” he said.
He said that residents in the area were equally worried with the unexplained unfinished capital projects.
He encouraged development agencies, local authorities and central Government to always give constant feedback to the residents on progress and problems.
“It is sad to continue seeing half-backed projects. Let’s translate promises into action,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
The legislator said there was also a need for Government to capacitate the local Civil Protection Unit considering the nature of perennial disasters in the area and the town’s geographical location on SADC’s busiest inland port of entry.
“As we speak, our District Administrator — who chairs the local CPU — does not have critical resources including a vehicle to monitor and mobilise locally available resources.
“That’s a setback. We can’t be found wanting every time we are hit by a disaster,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
He said it was important for the town to have a modern fully equipped fire station and that it must be a priority project for both central Government and the local municipality.
Online Reporter