admin
Thupeyo Muleya–Beitbridge Bureau
The ongoing massive infrastructure development projects in Beitbridge town should set the town on the road to transformation into a medium city, residents have said.
Since 2006, the Government has been trying to upgrade the town from a mere growth point into a modern urban settlement.
Some of the civil works under the Beitbridge Redevelopment Programme (BRP) include the US$300 million border upgrading, road network, water, and sewer infrastructure expansion, have been progressing at rapid speed in the last two years.
Other projects include the construction of 16 blocks of flats to house 64 families, mainly middle-class civil servants, 250 core houses for home ownership, 52 by F14 houses for civil servants, road dualisation, upgrading water supply, and sewer infrastructure in the town.
Additional institutional facilities are a hospital, primary school, secondary school, civic centre, a new Government composite office block, a modern truck inn, shopping complex, a five-star hotel, an aerodrome, and the upgrading of the current border post to meet world-class standards.
Civil works on two-thirds of these projects are nearing completion, while others have been completed, and the Government needs a further US$6,2 million to complete the outstanding civil works.
“I am impressed with the current level of development in Beitbridge. If we look back a few years ago, things were not moving.
“But now there is massive development going on in our town. In fact, we are now on the right track to transformation,” said Ms Jetina Mbedzi.
She said the border modernisation and all the out-of-port infrastructure were giving Beitridge the look it deserves.
Ms Mbedzi said the Beitbridge Municipality should emulate the Government efforts by attracting more investors to construct modern infrastructure.
She said it was also important for the council and the community to work together in managing solid waste and related environmental health issues.
Mr Dzingai Kachingamire said: “I want to commend the Government for accelerating infrastructure development in Beitbridge town.
“Things are changing at a faster speed daily and it is my hope that the developmental pace continues on that path.”
He said the expansion of sewer and water infrastructure was long overdue and will help improve service delivery.
Another resident, Miss Evelyn Lunga, hailed the construction of a new fire station, animal quarantine plant, and the upgrading of major roads.
“It is also pleasing to note that our local brothers and sisters are being employed in various sectors during the course of the transformation projects.
“I hope this should continue, so that the general upkeep for many people mostly the youths may improve,” said Miss Lunga.
Mr Desmond Muleya said the separation of traffic into commercial, buses, and light vehicles at the new border were key in enhancing efficiency issues.
He said the construction of 220 staff houses for border workers will go a long way in addressing manpower shortages at the port of entry.
Mr Muleya said so far the movement of cargo had improved following the opening of a new freight terminal at Beitbridge in October last year.
“As clearing agents, we hope that things will get even better upon completion of all the three terminals within the border (freight, buses, and light vehicles).
“Where traffic is flowing seamlessly, there will be spillover effects on the businesses around the town,” he added.
Online Reporter