Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
Matabeleland North Province’s Cross Borders for ED association has been allocated US$20,000 from the Presidential Fund and ten boreholes under the Borehole Drilling Scheme, as part of Government efforts to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen cross-border trade.
The funds were officially launched during a well-attended event at Chinotimba in Victoria Falls yesterday, where over 300 members from all seven districts of the province gathered.
The event was graced by Hwange West ZANU PF Shadow MP Pilani Moyo, alongside District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Chair Mathew Muleya, Cross Borders for ED Vice Chairperson Tambudzai Sibanda, and a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) representative.
Mrs Tambudzai Sibanda said their association has since engaged with authorities to ease trade hurdles while also making a passionate plea to ZIMRA, urging the tax authority to reduce duty payments for cross-border traders.
“We submitted a request through the Ministry of Transport for our members to be charged five percent duty instead of higher rates. When duties are too high, people resort to corruption or illegal entry points. A fair duty structure will increase compliance and revenue,” she said.
She further called for streamlined border searches to reduce delays and appealed to local councillors to assist members in securing vending spaces.
Sibanda also announced that 10 boreholes had been allocated to the province under the Presidential Scheme, with one solar-powered borehole designated as a gift from the Provincial Minister to a community institution, such as a school or hospital.
“This is just the beginning. More funds and projects are coming, so people must remain focused and committed. These initiatives reflect the Government’s progressive vision for economic development,” she said.
