Londile Moyo
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has commended private sector partners for contributing US$40 000 towards the refurbishment of Mphoengs Border Post, a key gateway between Zimbabwe and Botswana located in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South Province.
The refurbishment programme involved installing a new roof, partitioning the clearing hall, recasting walls and repainting, fitting new doors, enhancing security features and installing the Online Border Management System.
Five private companies funded the project, namely Garsu Parsaulis, Zagim, Gwanda Lithium, Muhammed Wholesaler and Amanat.
The upgraded border post is now connected to the Online Border Management System, a development expected to significantly improve turnaround times for travellers.
The Online Border Management System also links several Government agencies, including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The old structure had become unfit for use, with the ceiling close to collapse, prompting the need for major refurbishment. The upgrade has also resulted in the installation of a solar power system to provide backup electricity.
The project buttresses Government efforts to modernise the country’s ports of entry in line with international standards while facilitating trade and strengthening border management.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Cde Chido Sanyatwe, officially commissioned the refurbished border post on Sunday.
“Over the years, we realised that our infrastructure was in a deplorable condition unsuitable for any conducive environment, both for our staff and the public. Given the state of the infrastructure, it was also impossible to install and operationalise the Online Border Management System, a key component in our drive towards modernisation and digitalisation of border services.
“This transformation would not have been possible without the strong partnership between the Government and the private sector. Allow me to extend our sincere appreciation to our partners for their financial and material support,” she said.
Deputy Minister Sanyatwe said Garsu Parsaulis provided roofing, ceiling and paint supplies, while Amanat supplied electrical gadgets, with the remaining partners offering financial support to complete other works.
She said the investment was critical in strengthening both border infrastructure and national security.
“The successful installation of the Online Border Management System at this border post marks a major milestone in enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability in our border management system.
“It’s also a key step in improving the national image by ensuring that our point of entry reflects modern standards. This project is a practical example of how we are translating policy into action, ensuring that even smaller and previously neglected areas such as Mphoengs are not left behind in the national development agenda,” she said.
The Deputy Minister challenged officers manning the border post to uphold high standards of integrity and professionalism in the execution of their duties.
Regional Immigration Manager responsible for Plumtree, Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambapele border posts, Ms Memory Mugwagwa, praised the Second Republic’s development thrust, which has culminated in the modernisation of the border post that was opened in 2003.
She said one of the remaining outstanding works was the construction of a search bay shed to shield travellers from harsh weather conditions during clearance by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
Travellers welcomed the development but appealed to Government to urgently address the poor road network leading to the border post.
“Thumbs up to Government, the border compares well with what is obtaining on the Botswana side. But this development without the road being attended to will not increase traffic because the road is bad,” said Mr Melusi Ncube from Sanzukwi village.
— @themkhust
Online Reporter