admincontractual issues between Finance Minister Tendai Biti and a South African developer.
Public Works Minister Gabuza Joel Gabbuza — who is part of a three-member Cabinet task force overseeing the programme — expressed concern over the dilapidation of most buildings which were built under the Government’s redevelopment project.
The team includes chairperson Minister Biti, Minister Gabbuza and Regional Integration and International Co-operation Minister Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga.
Minister Gabbuza attributed this to delays in the finalisation of contractual issues between the Finance Ministry and the developer.
He said prior to the new arrangement, the Public Works ministry had been overseeing the implementation of the project which was being implemented at the instigation of the National Economic Development Priority Programme.
Minister Gabbuza said the completion of outstanding civil works, especially houses for civil servants had been incorporated into the new programme that the Cabinet team was overseeing.
In 2006 Government launched the Beitbridge Redevelopment Project which would result in the dualisation of the road from the border post to the Masvingo-Bulawayo bi-section, construction of 64 garden flats for senior civil servants, 300 housing units, a new stadium, construction of hotels, schools, churches, filling stations, government complex, a National Social Security hotel, the upgrading of the sewer and water reticulation facilities among other things. Minister Gabbuza said some of these projects were between 80 and 90 percent complete.
“Our main worry now is that nothing has been happening on the ground for some time,” he said
Minister Gabbuza said the project had earlier on been progressing at a snail’s pace due to an acute shortage of funds and resources.
Ministers Biti and Mushonga could not be reached for comment at the time of going to Press.
Online Reporter