admininto a modern medium city.
White Lodge, which is owned by a former Cold Storage Company employee Mr Midian Hlabano – who is now based in South Africa – has brought hope to many travellers who had been facing challenges in overnight accommodation.
Construction work began in 2006 soon after Government under the National Economic Development Priority Programme accorded the border post town status.
The 20-bedroom lodge is located 2km out of the town’s CBD area along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road and becomes the ninth area to offer overnight accommodation in the border town.
It is understood that over 4 000 people including truckers and tourists pass through Beitbridge border town everyday with most of them seeking overnight accommodation en route to their different destinations.
The complex has a modern restaurant, bar, kitchen and several offices.
In an interview, Mr Hlabano – who is also a well-known accounting consultant in South Africa – said the lodge was constructed as a way of furthering his economic interests in the country as well as creating employment.
He said the lodge was constructed in a model of a cultural village that was also convenient for conferences, weddings and other social gatherings.
“The rooms are thatched with grass and air-conditioned. Basically, we are creating a home away from home for tourists and many other travellers who pass through Beitbridge town.
“As you are aware Beitbridge is one of the busiest entry points across the region and as such the demand for over- night accommodation has never been enough.
“For that same reason I chose to put up this lodge and create employment for the Beitbridge community.
“I want to call upon other Zimbabwean nationals in the Diaspora to put their resources together and be at the forefront of the country’s economic development programme.”
Online Reporter