Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Second Republic has embraced a robust Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs) model to accelerate implementation of key infrastructure and utilities development, which are critical enablers of the envisaged attainment of an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.
Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Projects, Dr Joram Gumbo, said this in Beitbridge on Wednesday while conducting a tour of on-going and completed port projects, which fall under the US$300 million Beitbridge Border Post upgrading and modernisation project.
The massive project was born out of a private public partnership (PPP) between the Government and the ZimBorders Consortium.
“Government has created an ideal environment for the implementation of public private partnerships and what we are seeing here is a fruit of such a model,” he said.
“I want to urge the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe locally or in the diaspora to enter into partnerships with the Government so that we transform our country through collaboration.”
The main scope of the project includes the upgrading of the border post with new terminal buildings, commercial facilities for the border post, the construction of 220 houses for border agencies, a state of the art animal plant and quarantine centre, the building of a new fire station and 11,4 mega litres water reservoir.
Other works include the upgrading of sewer and water reticulation facilities and the construction of a Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development maintenance camp with seven houses, an administration block, a workshop and a guest house for engineers.
“Since the advent of the Second Republic, in excess of 9 000 unprecedented strategic milestones have been accomplished across various sectors and thematic areas of NDS1, all in pursuit of our national Vision to attain an upper-middle-income economy by year 2030,” said Dr Gumbo.
“The hallmark of this progress has been the prioritisation of projects and programmes that contribute to infrastructure and utilities development, which are rightly recognised as key enablers of socio-economic development.
“The rehabilitation, modernisation and expansion of ports of entry have taken centre stage under the Second Republic’s broader infrastructural development and economic transformation agenda. These efforts also contribute to national image building.”
Dr Gumbo said the Beitbridge border post was one of the anchor projects for the Second Republic that has culminated in all round improved service delivery for vehicular cargo and human traffic transiting the vital North to South corridor.
He said the work at Beitbridge was a compelling and noteworthy reflection that the undertaking to transfigure the border into a shining beacon of efficiency and modernity is not just a statement of intent, but a reality unfolding, brick by brick, stone upon stone.
This has set a precedent to the standard and pace of development that future generations will, in due course, emulate and incrementally build upon, establishing a streamlined, world-class gateway, said Dr Gumbo.
He said it was pleasing to note the remarkable progress made in both onsite and offsite infrastructure, which has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and service delivery.
“It’s important to recognise that the success of the onsite mega investments hinges on the timely and integrated development of offsite infrastructure,” said Dr Gumbo.
“Significant to note is that these components are often unseen but serve as the hidden engine room of progress, supporting both border operations and the surrounding community. Their strategic importance lies in their ability to ensure long-term efficiency, resilience, and inclusivity”.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe said the Beitbridge transformation projects were crucial in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of many people.
He highlighted that this will significantly contribute to the province’s economic growth, create new job opportunities, reduce unemployment and empower the youths and women.
“They also contribute to the economy and raise the economic profile of the province, attracting further investment and opportunities for growth and development,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Beitbridge town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola said they were excited with the spillover effects of the border modernisation project, which fit into the local authority’s ongoing transformation trajectory.
Mr Ramakgapola said the construction of a new 11, 4 mega litres reservoir will boost the town’s water supply capacity to supply at least18 megalitres of water daily.
“We have also received a fire engine from the Government to boost service delivery in our town and our rates revenue base has increased with the coming in of more properties,” he said.
Chief Tshitaudze commended the Government and President Mnangagwa for successfully implementing the border transformation project, especially the establishment of the animal plant and quarantine facility that supports agriculture related activities, which are a major economic activity at the household level.
