Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT is advancing the construction of an airport near Lutumba Growth Point, located about 20km northeast of Beitbridge, as part of a broader transformation strategy.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe announced this initiative yesterday during a site visit to ongoing infrastructure projects in Beitbridge.
Minister Nguluvhe said the project will require an estimated US$100 million.
“We are here today to track progress on this project and so far, I have engaged the Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona over the issue and he has assured me that the project will get the attention it deserves,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“In addition, we are still engaging a potential investor so that we may expedite the civil works on site. Further to that, we are planning to upgrade the current airstrip in Beitbridge town as a quick-win project, while we mobilise to build a state-of-the-art airport in the Beitbridge RDC area.”
Minister Nguluvhe said the new airport project is part of enhancing national development and unpacking opportunities in tourism, transport and logistics sectors.
A potential investor has shown interest in upgrading the local rail station to make it a commercial hub. Presently, the railway station can accommodate up to 21 trains simultaneously.
“Our thinking is that the new airport will serve as a dry port for international trade,” he said, citing the region’s significant livestock production, citrus, horticulture and mining activities.
Minister Nguluvhe also called on the local Rural District Development Committee (RDDC) to address illegal settlements in the proposed airport site, where some individuals have settled unlawfully.
When the area was sited, the Government identified 47 homesteads for relocation.
However, some traditional leaders are accused of illegally parcelling out land on the area measuring 2,5km width and 5km length.
“We have been working with senior traditional leaders in that area to restore order in terms of halting illegal settlements and we are very hopeful to arrive at a solution soon,” said District Development Coordinator Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu.
In related infrastructure developments, Minister Nguluvhe visited the Mutshilashokwe broken bridge, which connects the town to the Great Mapungubwe Trans-Frontier Conservation Area.
At least US$120 000 is required to construct a new bridge, essential for linking commercial farmers to regional and global markets.
Matabeleland South Roads Engineer Mangisi Nkomo said they expect the project to gain traction as soon as they get adequate funding.
