Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Binga
VICE President Kembo Mohadi yesterday commissioned the completed Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga District, Matabeleland North Province, ushering in a new era for the previously marginalised district as the Second Republic continues to walk the talk in accelerating inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind.
The facility is one of the flagship projects under the Binga Development Initiative, which was launched following President Mnangagwa’s directive during his visit to the district in April 2022 to fast-track development in one of the country’s historically marginalised areas.
Equipped with solar back-up power, robust internet connectivity and fully integrated systems for the Department of Immigration and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the new border post is expected to improve service delivery, strengthen border security, facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and unlock new economic opportunities for the district.
Commissioning the offices and clearance hall, VP Mohadi said the project symbolised the beginning of a new era for Binga and demonstrated Government’s commitment to balanced national development.
“This milestone marks the dawn of a new era here in Binga and Matabeleland North, not only for this crucial port of entry, but also for the broader economic and developmental trajectory of Binga District and our great nation, Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Vice President noted that for years, immigration and customs officers operated from temporary structures that were inadequate for a modern border facility, compromising both service delivery and working conditions.
“Today, under the decisive leadership of the Second Republic, we bring that chapter to a definite close. We open a new chapter defined by dignity in public service, enhanced border security, improved working conditions and world-class service delivery,” he said.
VP Mohadi said border posts are strategic national assets that facilitate trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.
He said the new facility is aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
Vice President Mohadi said the investment demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring no community is left behind in the country’s development.
“For too long, Binga District sat on the margins of major infrastructure development. Under the Second Republic, development is no longer dictated by proximity to the capital, but by national priority.
“Binga is rising and this modern border post is a striking symbol of that upward trajectory,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the facility has been future-proofed to accommodate the Online Border Management System (OBMS), which will integrate all border agencies onto one digital platform, reduce clearance times for travellers and commercial cargo, curb revenue leakages and corruption, and strengthen national security through enhanced data management.
“It’s a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to e-governance and the creation of smart borders that facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding our territorial integrity,” he said.
VP Mohadi said beyond improving border management, the facility will stimulate economic activity in Binga, support legal cross-border trade, create employment opportunities and improve revenue collection for the national fiscus.
He said the upgraded border post will further strengthen bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia while advancing regional integration in line with the SADC Protocol on Trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Vice President also challenged immigration, customs and other border officials to match the world-class infrastructure with professionalism, integrity and patriotism.
“Infrastructure alone does not develop a country. It’s the integrity, professionalism and patriotism of the men and women in uniform and in public office that make the real difference,” he said.
VP Mohadi also commended Government’s development partner, GARSU Pasaulis, for working with Government from project conception to completion, saying the project demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in national development. Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution,
Richard Moyo, said the commissioning of the border post represented more than the opening of a Government facility.
“Today’s event is not only about the commissioning of this new infrastructure, but about restoring dignity and reaffirming Government’s commitment to inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind,” he said.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the border post would eliminate dangerous and illegal crossings on the Zambezi River, promote regulated trade and strengthen family and cultural ties between communities in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“This project, which commenced in October 2025 and was completed in May this year, forms part of the broader Binga Development Initiative. It will promote regulated trade and strengthen family and cultural ties between communities in Zimbabwe and Zambia,” he said.
The commissioning comes as Government continues implementing transformative projects across Binga under the Second Republic’s rural industrialisation and devolution agenda.
Among the completed projects are the construction of a Civil Registry office, Binga Polytechnic College, a nursing school and the expansion of the district mortuary from a six-body to a 12-body capacity.
Accessibility to the district has also been enhanced through the upgrading of Binga Airstrip, which can now accommodate up to six light aircraft as part of a nationwide programme to improve access to remote tourism and investment destinations.
The latest investment is expected to position Binga as an emerging gateway for trade, tourism and investment while reinforcing Government’s commitment to ensuring that all regions benefit from the country’s development trajectory towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
