Online Reporter
Muvhuso Chibi [email protected]
A major telecommunications breakthrough is on the horizon for communities in Beitbridge West Constituency, with the completion of a 60-metre network booster in Shashe that is now awaiting signal installation by mobile network operators Econet, NetOne and Telecel.
For decades, villagers in this remote border constituency have struggled with poor and unreliable network connectivity. Many households have been forced to rely on roaming signals from neighbouring Botswana and South Africa simply to make a phone call or send a message.
That is set to change. The new booster, strategically erected on top of a mountain in Shashe, is expected to provide extensive coverage across most of Beitbridge West. Once activated, it will connect thousands of residents, schools, clinics, businesses and public institutions to reliable mobile voice and internet services.
Beitbridge West legislator, Cde Thusani Ndou, described the completion of the infrastructure as a significant milestone in the drive to bridge the digital divide.
“The booster infrastructure is now complete and we are awaiting Econet, NetOne and Telecel to install their signals. This means the people of Beitbridge West will have access to all three mobile networks,” said Cde Ndou.
He said according to engineers involved in the project, the installation is among the largest of its kind in Zimbabwe. The 60-metre tower sits on elevated terrain, which allows the signal to reach far beyond Shashe into surrounding wards and villages.
“The tower is about 60 metres high and is located on top of a mountain, enabling it to cover a vast area. The benefits will not only be confined to Shashe but will extend to most parts of Beitbridge West,” said the MP.
“To ensure uninterrupted service, supporting infrastructure has also been put in place. This includes a generator, solar power systems and grid electricity to keep the site running during load-shedding and in times of power outages.”
Cde Ndou said the impact of improved connectivity would be felt most in schools, where both teachers and learners have struggled to access digital learning tools.
“Our school children and teachers will now be able to undertake research and school work more effectively. Families with relatives in the diaspora will also benefit because communication will become easier and more affordable,” he said.
He added that the development would also strengthen security and emergency response systems in the constituency, allowing for faster coordination between communities, police and civil protection units.
“People have for years depended on Botswana networks and South African networks such as MTN and Vodacom. This project is a game changer. We appreciate the efforts being made by President Mnangagwa to ensure that no community is left behind,” said Cde Ndou.
“This is about inclusion. No learner should be left behind because they cannot access the internet. No farmer should miss a market because they cannot make a call. No family should struggle to speak to loved ones.”
Beitbridge Rural District Council (BBRDC) chairman, Councillor Oscar Chiromo, said the booster would unlock new economic opportunities and bring isolated communities closer to national and global markets.
“This development will transform the lives of people in Shashe and surrounding areas. They will now have access to vital services while remaining connected to national and global markets,” said Cllr Chiromo.
He noted that improved connectivity would be particularly important for agriculture, which remains a key livelihood in the area.
“We have a thriving citrus farming community in the area and improved communication will undoubtedly boost economic activity. Farmers will be able to access market prices, coordinate with buyers and arrange logistics in real time,” he said.
“The network is also expected to support tourism. Fort Tuli, a historical site established in July 1890 by the Pioneer Column as an entry point into the then Rhodesia, is located in the district.
“The network will also help us market our tourism attractions, including Fort Tuli. Visitors and tour operators will be able to access information and book services more easily.”
He said the council had previously faced major communication challenges with local leadership in the area.
“We have two councillors serving the area, including our Finance Chairperson and the Patron of Junior Councillors. In the past we often struggled to communicate with them and had to rely on MTN lines. This installation changes everything and aligns with Vision 2030 and the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
Acting District Development Coordinator (DDC) for Beitbridge, Mr Jahson Mugodzwa, said the booster would improve coordination of Government programmes at ward level.
“As Government, we view this as a significant achievement because it will improve communication with councillors, traditional leaders and communities. It will enhance mobilisation for important meetings, dissemination of civil protection messages and coordination of ward activities,” said Mr Mugodzwa.
He said real-time communication would strengthen service delivery in health, education, water and sanitation, and agriculture.
“This development will enhance coordination in health, education, water and sanitation, agriculture and other Government programmes. Communities will receive updates in real time and no one will be left behind,” he said.
A local teacher at Mapani Primary School, Miss Josephine Moyo, said the mobile communications base station would have a far-reaching impact on education and community development.
“The improved network will give learners better access to educational resources, online research and digital learning platforms. It will also help them communicate and collaborate on school projects,” she said.
Miss Moyo said teachers would also benefit from easier access to teaching materials, Continuous Professional Development programmes and electronic reporting systems.
“It will make communication between teachers, parents, school authorities and the community much easier. Teachers will be able to research information, prepare better lessons and submit reports electronically,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, she said households and small businesses would also gain.
“People will be able to communicate more easily with family members, service providers and businesses. Access to internet services will support local economic activities and improve livelihoods,” said Miss Moyo.
It is envisaged that with signal installation by Econet, NetOne and Telecel expected to commence soon, communities in Beitbridge West are preparing for a new era of connectivity.
For years, the constituency has remained on the margins of national telecommunications coverage. The Shashe booster is expected to change that, advancing the Government’s broader goal of ensuring equitable access to communication services across the country.
Once operational, the Shashe network booster will stand as both a technical installation and a symbol of progress — linking Beitbridge West to the rest of Zimbabwe, and to the world.
