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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Residents here have urged the Government to speedily allocate funds towards the completion of outstanding infrastructure development projects under the town’s transformation initiative known as the Beitbridge Redevelopment Programme.

Most residents and organisations who made submissions at the ongoing 2018 National Budget consultations led by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Budget expressed concern over the delay in completion of the programme, which started in  2006.

They said though the town was the preface of the country and economically active it was lagging behind in terms of key infrastructure, notably in terms of health, education, communication, water and sanitation.

Beitbridge East legislator Albert Nguluvhe said it was critical for Government to commit more funds to the development of education, health and housing sectors.

“For people to say they are developed, they need to be healthy themselves. Currently, they (people) are struggling to access or buy medication and in most cases these are being sold in foreign currency at some pharmacies. It is important that we prioritise health care in the 2019 National Budget,” said Cde Nguluvhe.

“You will further note that there is need to avail more funds to upgrade the Beitbridge referral hospital, which is overstretched by those who fall sick during their journeys to either South Africa or other countries in the Sadc region. The health sector should be allocated enough resources to ensure drugs and related services are accessible and affordable to the citizens.

“Further the need to adequately fund housing projects cannot be overemphasised. Some houses here have been without water and sanitation facilities. We urge the Government to commit resources to local authorities so that they may be able to effectively attend to such issues.

“We also note with concern the glaring shortages in schools and relevant equipment such as science laboratories. In the 2019 Budget we are of the view that efforts are made to reduce this disturbing gap. At the same time we must motivate the teaching staff.”

Beitbridge Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola said the Government must consider availing more funds for the construction of the Shashe Tourism Border Post (with South Africa) to ease pressure at Beitbridge, which is the only inland port of entry between Zimbabwe and its neighbour.

The chairperson of the Beitbridge Business Association, Mr Nkululeko Milidi, said the Ministry of Finance should consider restoring the daily remission privilege to allow residents to purchase basic commodities from South Africa where they are readily available.

He said many businesses were having difficulties getting import licences or restocking with products from either Bulawayo or Harare.

A local resident, Mr Pithias Mlalalei Ndlovu said it was important for the Government to avail resources including the police for effective policing and border patrols in Beitbridge.