Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve recently in Binga
ONCE synonymous with marginalisation and neglect, Binga District in Matabeleland North Province is witnessing an unprecedented wave of transformation, as the Second Republic delivers on its promise of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’.
From health and education to energy and cross-border trade, a raft of development projects are reshaping the livelihoods of communities along the Zambezi River.
This remarkable turnaround was recently affirmed when the Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring
Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Joram Gumbo, conducted an oversight tour of key projects in the district.
The visit provided a first-hand assessment of the progress being made under the Government’s inclusive development agenda.
Dr Gumbo, whose tour included an inspection of the newly completed Kasambabezi Border Post and the 77 percent complete Civil Registry Building, expressed confidence that the transformation of Binga is on a firm trajectory.
“In line with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, Binga communities are witnessing significant progress and transformation of the area,” said Dr Gumbo at the Kasambabezi border post, commending the pace of development.
The Kasambabezi Border Post, a key initiative of President Mnangagwa, is nearing full operationalisation and is set to boost formal trade and social ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Meanwhile, the Civil Registry Building, crucial for addressing the historical lack of identity documents for residents, has reached 77 percent completion, moving closer to decentralising vital registry services to the community.
The projects form part of the broader Binga Development Initiative (BDI), a brainchild of President Mnangagwa stemming from a 17-point submission made by local leadership in 2022.
Since then, the district has become a testament to structured development moving away from aid dependency.
The initiative aims to industrialise the district and improve living standards through a multi-sectoral approach.
Briefing Dr Gumbo on the progress, Binga District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mr Land Siansolo Kabome, said the district is being rebuilt from the ground up.
“Devolution funds are fueling this transformation. Through these resources, we have been able to construct new clinics, rehabilitate the Binga Hospital mortuary expanding its capacity from six to twelve bodies, and commission the Manyanda and Mabobolo clinics which are now awaiting official opening,” said Mr Kabome.
He highlighted the monumental shift in energy access as a cornerstone of the new Binga.
“When the Second Republic took over, only 10 percent of Binga Town had electricity. Today, that figure stands at 80 percent, and we are connecting more public institutions through the Rural Electrification Agency. Nine schools have already been electrified, and we are pushing to connect Chiefs’ homesteads and remaining Government offices,” he said.
Mr Kabome also underscored the social and economic empowerment taking root.
“Embracing women as village heads is widespread in Binga; this is a deliberate move to ensure the achievement of gender equality. Additionally, 32 kapenta fishing rigs were commissioned, with 17 given to our Chiefs, six to youth groups, and five to women’s groups. This is not just infrastructure development; it is livelihood development in action,” he said.
On the education front, the DDC noted the establishment of the Binga Industrial Training College in 2022, which is set to enhance skills development and vocational training.
“We are also transforming Manjolo and Lusulu High Schools into boarding schools. Manjolo has already made significant progress with the construction of a dining hall and dormitories. This will ensure our children have access to quality education without the burden of long-distance travel,” he said.
He said the projects have economic potential being unlocked through tourism and agriculture.
“Under the Second Republic, we have seen the resuscitation of Muchesu Mine, which has attracted investors from the London Stock Exchange. The Gwayi-Shangani Dam, once a distant dream, is now almost complete and offers enormous opportunities for irrigation. We have already been offered two 200-hectare irrigation schemes near the dam to enhance food sufficiency in the district,” Mr Kabome said.
He also noted the strategic importance of the Kasambabezi Border Post.
“This border post is a game-changer. It is a key plank of the 17 priority projects spearheaded by the President. It will open up international trade, boost tourism and integrate our local economy with the region,” he said.
While the transformation is undeniable, residents have called upon the Government to continue disbursing funds to ensure the full completion of remaining projects.
One resident, Mr Thabani Muleya, said: “We are grateful for the developments we are seeing, especially the improvements in health facilities and the border post. We urge the Government to keep up the momentum and ensure the roads are fixed and the water challenges are resolved.”
Another resident, Mrs Sipiwe Munkuli, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for further investment in education.
“The new schools are a blessing, but we need them to be fully equipped with electricity and water so our children can compete with the rest of the country,” she said.
Mr Kabome however acknowledged the challenges the district is facing, but reiterated the Government’s commitment.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges – the poor condition of major roads, water insecurity, and infrastructure gaps. However, with the continued support of His Excellency the President and the Second Republic, we are confident that these hurdles will be overcome. The foundation has been laid, and the future of Binga is bright,” he said.
While these challenges persist, the progress under the Second Republic is unmistakable.
With the President’s continued focus on the region, Binga is steadily being integrated into the mainstream economy, transforming from a district on the periphery into a beacon of hope in Matabeleland North Province.
