Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE Municipality has adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy as part of efforts to accelerate infrastructure development, attract investment and strengthen its bid for city status.
Town Clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, announced the policy shift on Saturday during the Beitbridge Business Expo Awards held at Ronnie’s Arena, saying the local authority had embraced strategic partnerships in line with the Government’s PPP framework and the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy.
He said the municipality had recognised the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable growth and unlocking development opportunities.
“We have come to realise that strategic partnerships are not merely a choice; they are the cornerstone of sustainable growth and competitive advantage,” said Mr Ramakgapola.
“The journey to success requires strong partnerships. By working together with the private sector and other stakeholders, we can unlock investment opportunities and accelerate the development of our town.”
Mr Ramakgapola said the municipality had already benefited from its partnership with the Beitbridge Business Expo, which has helped organise annual business and investment promotion events over the past four years.
He also revealed that the council had entered into a US$65 million partnership with Extra Grace Trust to establish a methane gas and electricity generation project at the town’s sewer treatment facility.
Under the Green Climate Fund initiative, the municipality will receive 20 percent of the proceeds generated from the project.
In another major development, the council has partnered with the Beitbridge Business Expo to develop a 26-hectare agricultural showgrounds site along the Bulawayo Road corridor, with the municipality contributing 13 hectares of land.
“The agricultural showgrounds project aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). At its peak, it will drive infrastructure development and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people,” said Mr Ramakgapola.
“This partnership has the potential to unlock new markets and attract more investment through the annual Beitbridge Business Expo.”
He said the municipality was also seeking investors and strategic partners for several flagship projects, including the development of the town’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Other investment opportunities include the establishment of a Venda Cultural Village overlooking Dulivhadzimu Gorge, the construction of Mohadi Square in the existing central business district, the development of Beef City Park, urban renewal initiatives and the proposed Limpopo Leisure Zone, which will feature a zip-line attraction.
Mr Ramakgapola said work was already underway on a new central business district along the Harare – Bulawayo Highway corridor, a project expected to reshape the town’s economic landscape.
He expressed confidence that the successful implementation of the planned partnerships and investment projects would significantly transform Beitbridge and strengthen its case for city status.
“If these partnerships materialise as envisaged, Beitbridge will soon be ready to declare itself a city,” he said.
