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Talent Munda Beitbridge Correspondent
PUBLIC Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira has described Beitbridge Rainbow Hotel as a “world class” facility. Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA)-owned premises in Beitbridge on Friday, the minister said efforts were underway to have the facility officially commissioned by President Mugabe.
The 140-roomed hotel, built at a cost of $32 million by NSSA, opened its doors to the public in January last year targeting mainly transit travellers en route to South Africa and other surrounding areas near Beitbridge.
“I’m here on a fact finding and validation mission and I’m quite happy with the facility. This is a job well executed,” said Mupfumira.
“This is a refreshing sight and a world class hotel that’s outstanding in this border town.”
The minister cleared the air on the long awaited commissioning of the hotel saying after taking over the ministry from Nicholas Goche, it was imperative for her to visit the facility and have an appreciation before inviting the President to officially commission it.
The Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) is occupying the premises on rental basis.
“At present moment there are no major projects billed for Beitbridge by NSSA save for the Rainbow hotel. We want to see how far it goes before engaging on new projects.
“However, this isn’t NSSA’s last project for Beitbridge as you’re aware that NSSA’s funds should be spread evenly across all the 10 provinces,” said the minister.
Mupfumira said NSSA was engaged in a massive housing project in Masvingo that would provide 653 housing units for civil servants.
She refuted claims that NSSA had undertaken to develop the remaining part of government flats for civil servants in Beitbridge.
The government flats were built under the Beitbridge redevelopment programme in fulfilment of the National Economic Priority Development programme, which was meant to develop some underdeveloped parts of the country before and after independence.
The programme was officially launched by President Mugabe in July 2006 but stalled during the Inclusive government era.
Experts say the outstanding works require about $10 million.
Under the Beitbridge Redevelopment programme, there are 24xF14 houses, 64 garden flats and 250 core houses for government employees.
The 250 core government houses and 24xF14 houses require water and sewer reticulation to be habitable.
Online Reporter