Zimpapers Logo

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Residents here have urged Government to speedily allocate more funds towards the completion of outstanding projects under the Beitbridge Redevelopment Programme.

The programme is aimed at transforming the border town into a modern city. In their contributions to the 2018 National Budget Consultations headed by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development, residents in Beitbridge expressed concern over the delays in the completion of the programme. The Beitbridge Re-development Programme started in 2006. Chairperson of the committee Cde David Chapfika noted that the project had taken longer than necessary and recommendations would be made to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for consideration.

“It has become apparent that Beitbridge plays a key economic role in both international trade and the movement of people within Sadc, hence its transformation should be accorded the urgency it deserves,” he said.

Cde Chapfika said some issues from the people included calls for Government to accelerate infrastructure development in and around the town, including housing for civil servants.

“In addition, we have noted that inadequacies relating to accommodation are affecting staff deployments and this is also taking a toll on the ease of doing business and efficiency management at the border post,” he said.

Cde Chapfika, who is also the Mutoko South legislator, said some residents were calling on Government to avail funds for the opening of two border posts in the district. The move, the residents argued, would ease the pressure at Beitbridge. Resource shortages have stalled the opening of proposed tourism borders at Shashe on the west and Chituripasi on the east of the town. Cde Chapfika said it was important to look at infrastructure development in Beitbridge, which is also key to the implementation of the one-stop border post concept.

“Other issues include funding aimed at developing education, health, water infrastructure, communication facilities, women and youth empowerment, among other issues. So far we are also happy with the level of corporation from all the centres we have visited. It is pleasing to note that many people are coming prepared and are in touch with economic issues on the ground,” he said.

Cde Chapfika said people in Beitbridge had also raised concern that the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry had failed to investigate the continued closure of hotels in Beitbridge, which also formed the backbone of the hospitality industry in the area.