Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE opening of the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga district has strengthened the relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia while enhancing trade and business as well as the social interactions between the BaTonga communities along the Zambezi River.
The border which links Binga to Zambia’s Mamba town is one of the flagship projects that was undertaken by the Second Republic and was officially commissioned in 2020. Plans are already underway to improve and expand the border post owing to increased traffic being recorded monthly.
Sunday News visited Binga recently and spoke to the communities where it was highlighted that the border post has since strengthened their relations with their neighbouring relatives. Mr Revelation Munsaka said most of the people in Binga have relatives in the neighbouring Mamba town who they needed to visit more often.
“We have relatives in Zambia and you will know that as Africans it is important to visit each other both in good and bad times. We used to illegally cross the river through the use of boats which was a bit risky but the opening of this border has made travelling easy. It has also improved trade between the two countries as people coming from as far as Bulawayo come and cross here to look for things like fish and other merchandise. Our neighbours also come with fish to sell at Binga centre and Mlibizi,” said Mr Munsaka.
Ms Patience Munkuli said there were cultural festivals which were conducted in Zambia which they could now attend as a result of the newly established border post and this has strengthened their relations with their ethnic grouping.
“While we had all means of crossing to either side we would have running battles with law enforcement agencies. There is a festival known as the Lwiindi festival which is a thanksgiving ceremony where the BaTonga people appease and thank their ancestors after each farming season. Since crossing the river was not easy because of the law enforcement agents, the festival was seriously affected as people would not attend. However, since the opening of the border, the BaTonga from both countries can now cross the border freely to join their neighbours in Mamba where Chief Sinazongwe has made the festival a national event,” said Ms Munkuli.
In an interview, Zimbabwe’s Department of Immigration Chief Director Ms Respect Gono said the Kasambabezi Border Post was established in 2020, in consultation with the local traditional leadership and has since witnessed an increase in travelers.
“From 2020 up to date there has been an increase in movement as the monthly average stands at 900 travellers from 100 travellers when the border post was opened. The 900 travellers are mostly locals of the Tonga tribe who pay social visits to their relatives across in Zambia. In addition, there is also movement by cross border traders from as far as Bulawayo and Gokwe,” said Ms Gono.
She said the border post has potential of facilitating trade and economic integration with other Sadc countries, it being a direct link into Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“The development of the border post is moving in the right direction towards the enhancement of trade and business and the alleviation of irregular migration. Government’s commitment to establishing the Kasambabezi Border Post shows its commitment and willingness to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration,” said Ms Gono.
She said the Department of Immigration managed to build staff houses for the officers deployed at the border post while efforts are being made to solar power both the office and staff accommodation as well as connect water from the nearby Zinwa water pipes to ensure clean and accessible water for travellers and community at large.
“The department is also engaging stakeholders; non-state actors in the development of the border post and tourism. Tourism will create additional employment and stimulate the development of the Binga Town and the district at large. The construction of permanent infrastructure and the provision of a ferry will enable the border post to realise its potential,” said Ms Gono.
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