Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE need to modernise Kanyemba Border Post has come under renewed focus following a visit by Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Government Programmes and Projects, Minister Joram Gumbo, who was briefed on challenges hampering operations at one of Zimbabwe’s strategic entry points linking three countries.
Kanyemba Border Post, located at the confluence of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique, has remained constrained by poor infrastructure, with authorities appealing for urgent rehabilitation of a two-kilometre access road, perimeter security upgrades and improved facilities to support efficient border management.
The visit formed part of the Government’s ongoing monitoring of development projects to ensure that infrastructure investments translate into improved services and economic opportunities.
Principal Immigration Officer Stanley Sanyanga said the border post had recorded significant improvements through Government interventions, including solarisation, water availability and the introduction of an online border management system, but key infrastructure gaps remained.
“We have moved towards an online border management system, which makes it easier and faster to process visas and clear international travellers. The system has been fully implemented,” said Sanyanga.
He said the installation of solar power had transformed operations at the border post, particularly improving water availability.
“Previously, we did not have water. We had to pump water manually, but now we have solarisation and water is available.
“Electrification has also improved, with about 99 percent of the work complete, except for the outstanding connection from Zambia,” he said.
Kanyemba is strategically positioned as a gateway between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique, with communities on either side of the borders sharing social and family ties.
Mr Sanyanga said the border mainly serves day-trippers and tourists, including international visitors travelling for hunting activities in Mozambique.
“On average, we clear about 40 day-trippers. During the hunting season, we receive tourists who come through Harare, land at the airstrip and proceed through this border to Mozambique,” he said.
However, he said the border’s full economic potential was being limited by infrastructure challenges.
One of the major concerns raised was the poor state of the access road, particularly the final two-kilometre stretch leading to the border post.
“The road infrastructure is a challenge. If it can be graded regularly and rehabilitated, especially the last two kilometres, it would make a major difference,” said Mr Sanyanga.
The poor road conditions have forced some immigration and security officers to relocate closer to the border to avoid daily travel challenges.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) official Mr Edward Magumise also highlighted the impact of poor infrastructure on their operations, saying the condition of the road affects the movement of staff and enforcement teams.
He said smuggling remained one of the major challenges facing the border.
“We have goods coming through this route instead of using established ports of entry. We have intercepted various contraband, including cement and other goods,” he said.
He said joint patrols involving immigration, ZIMRA, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the security services had helped authorities make seizures.
“Through joint patrols, we have managed to seize several consignments. Working with local communities and security agencies has assisted us in gathering information,” said Mr Magumise.
Authorities said some smuggled goods originate from as far as Tanzania and Dubai, entering through regional routes before finding their way into Zimbabwe.
Despite the challenges, officials said the completion of the Kanyemba development project, including road infrastructure upgrades, has the potential to unlock trade, tourism and investment opportunities.
The border is expected to benefit from improved connectivity once ongoing Harare-Kanyemba Road construction works are completed.
Health screening facilities also require attention, with the Provincial Medical Director Dr Clemence Tshuma highlighting the need for improved accommodation and office space to support disease surveillance.
“There is no proper accommodation and office space to establish effective screening services. We need facilities that allow us to screen travellers and respond to health risks,” he said.
This comes as five bodies were recently repatriated through the border post.
Kanyemba Border Post is also emerging as a potential tourism gateway, serving visitors travelling to Mozambique’s hunting destinations and local attractions.
The visit by Minister Gumbo comes as Government intensifies efforts to monitor stalled and underperforming projects, ensuring that interventions address bottlenecks and accelerate development.
