Zimbabwe: B/Bridge Upgrade to Boost Trade, Revenue

President Mnangagwa
yesterday commissioned the $241 million upgrading and modernisation
project at Beitbridge Border Post that will see its transformation into a
robust, efficient economic enabler of trade, commerce and tourism.

Speaking at the
ceremony, President Mnangagwa said due to its strategic location, the
entry point opens up the country to the rest of the world as one of the
busiest inland ports in Sub Saharan Africa and a strategic entry into
the north-south corridor.

The President said
the upgrading and modernisation of the border post along with similar
projects throughout the country represented Government’s resolve to
modernise infrastructure towards the achievement of a middle-income
economy by 2030.

“This event indeed
signals a new beginning, a new Zimbabwe full of hope and immense
possibilities. A Zimbabwe open to the region and open to the world,
ready to play its part in facilitating regional and continental
integration and industrialisation,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said the
Government prioritised the refurbishment and modernisation of Beitbridge
Border Post, which has for a long time required a facelift and improved
service delivery, as it handles the bulk of Zimbabwe’s imports and
exports and generate a lot of revenue.

President Mnangagwa
revealed that an inter-ministerial committee had been set up to oversee
the project and that Zimborders, a consortium of local and
international investors, was awarded the tender after a rigorous
selection process.

He said the comprehensive works under the project would be undertaken on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model.

“Most importantly,
this crucial project will result in multi-faceted growth and development
of our economy and development of our country at a national level.

“I am optimistic
that Zimborders will meet the contract specifications which will involve
the refurbishment of the road network to and from the border post,
separation of traffic inside the border area, construction of passenger,
freight and bus terminals, construction of a commercial centre and
staff accommodation, construction of a weigh bridge, upgrading of
communication, security and lighting systems as well as the renovation
of water and sewer reticulation facilities for Beitbridge Town, among
other aspects,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Over and above the
physical infrastructure, this project will also see an Integrated
Border Management Information System which will smoothen the flow and
coordination of operations among all border agencies.”

“On completion of
the modernisation project, the border post is anticipated to have the
capacity to handle about three times the current passenger and traffic
flow. This development signifies exciting times ahead for this border as
it is part of the Greater Beitbridge Master Plan which entails the
construction of an international airport and industrial parks to
complement the envisaged Special Economic Zone status to Beitbridge
Town.”

President Mnangagwa
said the modernisation of Beitbridge Border Post would be complemented
by the construction of the Beitbridge-Chirundu and the
Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highways which are set to commence soon.

He said the
developments would enable the border post to be more competitive by
becoming the shortest and most efficient international gateway through
which north bound travellers, goods and services can pass.

President Mnangagwa
said the importance of the modernisation of the border post could not
be over-emphasised, especially in view of the negative impact of
bottlenecks and corruption to the convenience of travellers, trade and
tourism as well as revenue into the national fiscus.

“We must thus
re-envigorate our systems and change our work ethic to win back the
confidence of transit clients, passengers and hauliers alike. Equally
important is the need for increased coordination between stakeholders so
that clients are not subjected to numerous searches by different
entities with duplicated roles or subjected to undue delays as means to
solicit bribes.

“I direct all men
and women within out border control institutions to stop all forms of
corruption and chicanery. Perpetrators will face the full wrath of the
law. Please stand warned,” said President Mnangagwa.

“In the same vein,
touts and conmen and others who loiter around the border post area for
various illegal reasons should stand warned. We are determined to ensure
that our border posts are hassle free, safe and secure.”

Preisident
Mnangagwa said the modernisation and upgrading of infrastructure in the
country was testimony of his Government’s boldness, decisiveness and
determination in the timely implementation of projects, ease of doing
business and improvement of service delivery.

He called on
Zimborders to carry out the project with diligence and high quality
workmanship in congruence with the total project value and international
standards.

Speaking at the
same event, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Dr
Joram Gumbo said the project was long overdue and would address a lot of
challenges that had over the years frustrated travellers and revenue
inflows.

ZimBorder chairman
Mr Glynn Cohen said modernisation of the border post would go a long way
in ensuring the ease of doing business in line with President
Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra.