Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE commencement of construction works for Beitbridge’s new Central Business District (CBD) has been welcomed by residents and local leaders, who say the project is set to transform the border town’s economic landscape while creating employment opportunities.
The development, which is being undertaken through a partnership between the local authority and private land developers, is part of ongoing efforts by the Second Republic to modernise infrastructure, stimulate economic growth and accelerate national development.
Land has now been availed for the project, paving the way for the construction of a modern CBD expected to redefine the face of the country’s busiest border town.
Beyond infrastructure development, the project is already generating economic benefits through increased business activity and job creation for local residents.
Beneficiaries of the initiative say the project has provided a source of income and improved livelihoods.
“The coming of the project to Beitbridge has helped me because I am employed and getting a salary that can sustain my family and me,” a local said.
“As residents, it really feels good to see our town growing every day, and we really appreciate government efforts in supporting such initiatives,” a resident added.
“I am one of the locals who benefitted from the project. We pray for many projects to continue coming our way so that a lot of people can also get a chance to work,” another resident said.
The local leadership is confident the project will change the face of the town.
Chairperson of the Beitbridge Residents Association, Mr Lawrence Tshili, said the project represents a major milestone in the town’s growth.
“This is a great development that we are witnessing because around the 1960s, the town was so small, but now we are happy. As we age, we see our town developing.”
“We are proud to take part in the development of this town as the country marches towards Vision 2030, and we are quite confident we will deliver as expected,” Engineer Michael Munodawafa said.
Beitbridge Town Clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, highlighted Government’s support for the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for the border town.
“The government has shown its support towards our huge project that is set to change the face of this Border town. This area is along the major highway, so giving it modernised Infrastructure means a lot to this town.”
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, said the new CBD will strengthen the town’s capacity to attract investment and support economic expansion.
“The development of the Central Business District will give us a good foundation to construct modern Infrastructure in line with National Development Strategy Two. Once the project is complete, it will add more confidence to investors to continue investing in the town.”
The Second Republic has set Zimbabwe on the path of inclusive and sustainable development to achieve an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
