Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
THE long-delayed construction of the Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus in Beitbridge has once again come under scrutiny, with the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, urging the local authority to urgently complete the project that has stalled for more than a decade.
Minister Nguluvhe raised concern during a tour of the border town on Monday, saying the slow pace of the project was inconsistent with Beitbridge’s strategic status as Zimbabwe’s busiest port of entry and the recent completion of the US$300 million Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation Project.
He challenged the Municipality of Beitbridge to ensure that urban planning, infrastructure development and service delivery reflect the town’s new image as a modern gateway into the country.
“We need to plan and implement Beitbridge’s infrastructure development to match the completed border modernisation project,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Beitbridge is the gateway of our country to visitors entering by road from South Africa. We cannot have a world-class facility at the border that does not match what is happening across the town.”
The Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus project was initiated in 2012 after the old terminus, located on lower ground, became prone to severe waterlogging during the rainy season, inconveniencing travellers and transport operators.
Despite the relocation, the project has suffered persistent delays, sparking outrage among residents, cross-border traders and bus operators.
In 2018, the council awarded the tender to Bulawayo-based Ultra Construction. The scope of the project includes paving the terminus, construction of parking bays and sheds, erection of a perimeter wall and establishment of a cloakroom. However, progress has remained slow, leading to a recent standoff between the local authority, transport operators and residents.
Minister Nguluvhe said revenue collected from bus operators should be channelled towards completing the facility, stressing that visible development must accompany revenue generation.
He also expressed concern over poor sanitation and hygiene at local markets, particularly Speed Market at Tshitaudze Business Centre, one of the town’s busiest trading hubs.
“The council’s revenue collection should be matched by quality service delivery. I strongly encourage the municipality to urgently address water and sanitation challenges at Speed Market. The infrastructure there should match Beitbridge’s modernisation dream and Vision 2030,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He warned that failure to provide potable water and ablution facilities posed a serious public health risk.
The Municipality of Beitbridge recently terminated its contract with Ultra Construction, citing delays, and has since resolved to complete the project using its own resources.
Chairperson of the council’s Public Works Committee, Councillor Takavingei Mahachi, acknowledged that the project had taken far longer than anticipated.
“When we came in, we found that the project had started in 2012 and had been affected by several challenges. These include changes in the economic environment, adjustments to the bill of quantities and funding constraints,” he said.
Cllr Mahachi said the project is being fully funded by council resources and that the municipality has already secured key construction materials, including sand and paving blocks, to accelerate progress.
Residents and transport operators say the completion of the bus terminus is long overdue and remains critical to improving order, safety and convenience in a town that serves as the country’s primary road link to the region.
