Government approves Chirundu Border upgrade

GOVERNMENT has approved the Public Private Partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Chirundu Border Consortium on the upgrade and modernisation of the Chirundu One Stop Border Post.

The development is part of broader initiatives to upgrade the country’s entry and exit points to meet world standards. In a post Cabinet briefing Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said the project will be implemented under the Build, Operate, Own and Transfer model over a period of 20 years.

He said according to the agreement, Chirundu Border Consortium, a Zimbabwean registered company, will be responsible for renovating existing border post buildings and infrastructure, constructing new buildings, weighbridges, roads and parking lots, enhancing, improving and integrating Information Communication Technology Systems (ICTS) into the border post operations.

“The consortium will be responsible for improving traffic processing systems and constructing staff housing. In line with Government policy of promoting a private sector-led economy, Chirundu Border Consortium will fully provide the required funds to cover the estimated project cost to the tune of US$66, 8 million,” said Dr Muswere.

He said the improvement of the Chirundu border post will bring immense economic benefits to the country.

“It will complement the improved efficiency at the Beitbridge Border Post and the upgraded Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu highway. This will enhance the movement of transit traffic, thereby making this route the most preferred along the North-South Corridor. The improved connectedness of Zimbabwe to the region will position the country to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area resulting from Zimbabwe moving goods much faster in the region than before. The initiative will create employment opportunities for surrounding communities,” said Dr Muswere.

The Chirundu Border Post will be the second post to be upgraded after the Beitbridge border post since the ushering of the Second republic.

Beitbridge Border Post is one of the busiest and most vital border crossings in Southern Africa, undergoing a significant upgrade.

The ambitious project, which commenced in December 2020, has made substantial progress and achieved several key milestones.

The upgrade is expected to have far-reaching benefits for trade, tourism, and regional integration. Once completed, it will enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve the overall experience for travellers and traders using this crucial border crossing point.

It is a testament to the commitment of the Second Republic to invest in critical infrastructure and promote regional economic development. It is anticipated that the upgraded Beitbridge Border Post will play a pivotal role in facilitating regional trade and fostering closer ties among neighbouring countries.

The project is one of the scores countrywide, that the Government has rolled out to ensure citizens get maximum benefit from the country’s resources. The projects uphold the ethos of Independence which is to have progressive, economically empowered citizens.

In Phase one of the upgrade, construction work focused on the development of crucial infrastructure. This included the construction of the Freight Terminal, Freight Terminal Warehouse, Access routes, and VID (Vehicle Inspection Department) building. These facilities are essential for the efficient movement and inspection of goods passing through the border post.

Phase two of the project centred on enhancing the transportation infrastructure. The construction of the bus terminal, bus terminal warehouse, and access routes was completed in June last year and greatly improved the handling of passenger traffic and facilitated the smooth flow of buses travelling to and from the border post.

Phase three the construction of the Private Vehicle, Pedestrian Terminal and warehouse was completed in December 2022.

These new facilities have catered for private vehicle owners and pedestrians, providing them with enhanced services and streamlined processes.