Harare (New Ziana)- The Zimbabwe government on Tuesday considered and approved the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project to upgrade Forbes Border Post that links the country with Mozambique.

Briefing media, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Zimbabwe government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, has contracted the Forbes Border Consortium to upgrade and modernise the Forbes Border Post in Manicaland Province.

“The approval to implement the project is the second phase following a Full Feasibility Study conducted by the Consortium and the ensuing validation process by the Government of Zimbabwe,” he said.

“The Forbes Border Consortium will implement the modernisation project under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain framework. The financing arrangement seeks to promote a private sector-led economy, reduce fiscal pressure while leveraging on royalty payments during the project life span,” he added.

The scope of the project includes the renovation of border post buildings and infrastructure, construction of new buildings, facilities such as weighbridges, roads and parking lots, improved information Communication Technology Systems and traffic processing systems as well as construction of staff houses.

Dr Muswere said upgrading Forbes Border Post is expected to result in increased revenue collection for the tax collector.

“The infrastructural investment is poised to generate positive growth in terms of improved control of traffic along the Beira corridor, establishment of a preferred transit link to the SADC Region, increased Treasury collections through enhanced monitoring and collection capabilities, improved security and efficiency for transporters, and improved connectedness of Zimbabwe to the Region thereby positioning the country to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) through faster movement of goods in the region,” he said.

New Ziana