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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The Second Republic continues to press ahead with full implementation of high-impact infrastructure development projects in Beitbridge, including a 5.1km dual carriageway linking the port of entry and major inland towns, including Bulawayo and Harare.
Such a move has changed the face of Beitbridge town which is transforming into a modern city.
Civil works on the 5.1km stretch started a decade ago under the Beitbridge Redevelopment Programme (BRP) and linked the border and major roads into inland Zimbabwe.
However, these have been progressing at a snail’s pace owing to some sectoral challenges within the arms of Government.
The Government, using local material and human resources, managed to complete the project mid-last year after engaging Bitumen World to implement the project fully.
As part of the road’s upgrade, the company built two unique traffic circles which have the Great Zimbabwe Monument conical towers at the top and are 6 metres high and 6 metres wide.
Construction of the traffic circle separating the highways to Bulawayo and Harare has been completed, while civil works are pending at the roundabout at the entrance of the Border Post.
“The dualisation of the highway up to Masvingo turn-off has been a welcome development to our town. In addition to the iconic roundabout, it has beautified the entrance to the town. There is now a smooth flow of traffic along that stretch of road up to the border post,” said Beitbridge town clerk Mr Loud Ramkgapola.
A motorist, Mr Sam Chimere said the new set-up will help reduce congestion and minimise the rate of accidents linked to road traffic jams.
He said it also met the SADC regional standards in terms of road mapping in and out of each urban centre.
Beitbridge resident, Miss Patience Moyo said the completion of the project was a welcome development.
“The road is now complete and standard traffic and directional signs have been installed for easy navigation by pedestrians and motorists,” she said.
Mr Bester Mbedzi of Tshapfutshe Village, some 30km north of the border town said the construction of the dual carriageway was long overdue.
“I have used that route as a motorist for nearly 20 years and one can now see the difference and enjoy the comfort of driving on the new road compared to the previous one that was narrow and riddled with potholes,” said Mr Mbedzi.
“The maintenance of our vehicles has become fairly manageable since we now have a better road linking the town and my village,” he said.
According to Mr Vhidzwani Mabule, a resident, the latest development had set the tone for the construction of modern infrastructure along the 5.1km to match the quality of the road.
“The completion of this project is welcome in our community, we have longed to have quality roads in our district,” said local senior traditional leader, Chief Tshitaudze (David Mbedzi).
“There are now clear pedestrian crossing points, walkways, and a dedicated lane for southbound commercial vehicles. This is modern and it uplifts the face of Beitbridge and Zimbabwe to visitors coming through from South Africa”.
Some of the ongoing and completed infrastructure development projects in Beitbridge include the US$300 million border modernisation, the construction of a new fire station, an animal quarantine, a sewer oxidation dam, a landfill, 220 Government staff houses, and an 11,4 mega-litres water reservoir.
Online Reporter