Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEANS have hailed the Government for its decision to revive the construction of civil servants’ houses in Beitbridge as part of legacy projects being carried out in Matabeleland South as the province prepares to host this year’s national Independence Day celebrations in Matobo District.
The project, located along the major highway leading to the Beitbridge Border Post, aimed at addressing the acute housing shortage, is seen as a game-changer for local workers who have been adversely affected by serious accommodation challenges.
The Government’s plan includes constructing 16 garden flats to offer affordable housing units to 64 families with priority given to essential service workers in the district.
The development, which began in 2006 but stalled for years due to funding constraints, was revived under the Second Republic as part of broader efforts to improve living conditions for Government workers and enhance service delivery at the country’s busiest port of entry.
The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has been tasked with carrying out the civil works in three phases, with the first four blocks to accommodate 12 families set for commissioning at the end of next month.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe visited the construction site recently to track progress.
He said perennial accommodation shortages have hampered the deployment of key staff to Beitbridge.
“We are speeding up the completion of this initiative as part of the legacy projects as the Second Republic,” he said.
“This is being done in phases. The first phase includes the completion of four blocks to accommodate 16 families.
“I have seen the workers and engineers on the ground who have assured me that the project is on schedule for completion as planned, provided all the material is delivered on time.
“As directed by President Mnangagwa, this project should be completed before we host the 46th Independence Day as Matabeleland South province.”
Rural and Urban Planning Expert Dr Percy Toriro said Beitbridge was the gateway into Zimbabwe and the other countries up north and one of the fastest growing urban settlements in the country.
He said this made it an important and strategic town where efficient service delivery by the Government and its various agencies was critical.
Dr Toriro said for Beitbridge to offer efficient services in immigration, customs, public safety and other enabling sectors, the town must have adequate infrastructure, including housing.
“Completing the outstanding staff housing project in Beitbridge will stimulate local economic development, improve living conditions, and contribute to face-lifting this strategic town,” he said.
Beitbridge District Development coordinator, Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu, said the revamping of the project was part of wider efforts to address accommodation shortages the Government was rolling out in the area.
She said many civil servants are finding it hard to pay rent, which is relatively high because of the town’s location and proximity to a busy regional and international border.
On the development side, Mrs Mafu added that the housing complex will improve the quality of infrastructure in the district.
“This is a welcome move; it complements the Beitbridge border modernisation programme,” said a local businessman Mr Remember Ndou.
“I thank the leadership of the Second Republic for coming up with the programme of completing this project. In addition, these housing units will boost the image of our beloved town.”
Local head of the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, Mr Zibusiso Ndlovu, said the housing project is at the forefront of Beitbridge town and will, on completion, enhance the general aesthetic outlook of the town.
“The Government’s efforts to complete this project is highly commendable. However, it is also good to see corporates and other local business tycoons extending their helping hand in supporting the initiative,” said a local Business Consultant and Tax Expert, Mr Samuel Chimere.
“If businesspeople pledge donations, the collaboration will not only speed up the completion of this project but it will also boost the local economy.”
