Beitbridge modernisation to spur regional integration

Beitbridge (New Ziana) – THE US$300 million modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, gives prominence to Southern African Development Community’s regional integration agenda and also guarantees several far-reaching socio-economic spin-offs for the region, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday.

He said this while commissioning some of the completed works at the border post.

The modernisation project, whose ground-breaking was presided over by President Mnangagwa in 2018, is one of the flagship infrastructure rehabilitation projects being implemented by the Second Republic.

The projects involved the building of new and separate freight, buses and private vehicle terminals, the installation of latest cargo scanning equipment and construction of new feeder roads.

Officiating at the event, President Mnangagwa said the project was also a key milestone in the operationalisation of the Integrated Beitbridge Development Master Plan.

“The scope of works of this project will undoubtedly see this port of entry facilitate the smooth discharge of the statutory functions of various stakeholders as well as result in a seamless link of our economy with other jurisdictions along the North-South Corridor,” he said.

“As such, the project gives prominence to the shared aspirations for greater regional integration and co-operation, as outlined in the Regional Infrastructure Development Strategy. The high impact project will have far-reaching spin-offs for sustainable socio-economic development for the peoples and economies of our Southern Africa region.”

He added; “This Beitbridge Border Post modernisation project brings with it an array of benefits for the country and the region as a whole, particularly through the facilitation of trade, investment, business travel, and tourism. The ease of movement of goods and people in the SADC region through this port of entry will contribute significantly to the overall industrialisation agenda and economic growth of the region as envisioned in the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap.

“This is more pertinent as we seek to strengthen value chains at both regional and continental level. As you are aware, the project was inspired by the fact that Beitbridge Border Post is the busiest point of entry into our country, handling the largest volume of traffic into Southern Africa.”

President Mnangagwa said the modernisation project resonated with the ongoing thrust of “building the Zimbabwe we all want, brick by brick, stone upon stone.”

President Mnangagwa said through the landmark project the administration of import and export, toll fees and duty payment collection had been improved, while warehousing facilities were being expanded.

“I am pleased that since the opening of the new freight terminal and facilities for commercial traffic, the average waiting time for users has been significantly reduced.”

Information at hand suggests that due to the upgrades, the border post can now process up to 1000 freight trucks and 200 buses per day.
Previously, delays-of an average three days – at the border post, which were blamed on a combination of factors including bureaucracy, corruption and poor infrastructure, were reported to cost up to US$400 per truck per day.

As such, with the improved infrastructure, the Government expects efficiencies to improve further.

“Going forward, I exhort employees of the various agencies at our ports of entry to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics in sync with the work culture of the Second Republic.

“Border Posts are the face of our country and must be a physical embodiment of our national character, defined by values of hard-honest work, patriotism and the commitment to serve in the best interest of our beloved country,” he said.

“In the same vein, I urge exporting entities, cross-border traders and travellers, among other users of our ports of entry, to be responsible and law-abiding citizens.”

He said the project was also proof of successful collaboration between the Government and the private sector.

The project was undertaken by a consortium of local businesses headed by Glynn Cohen of GDC Whelson Transport, under the banner Zimborders.

Two South African entities, private equity firm Harith General Partners and the Phembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund, then bought shares in Zimborders.

The other partner is Mauritius-based RLB Systems, which supplies IT solutions to governments for borders and vehicle tolling.

“My Administration remains determined to continue unlocking innovative financial instruments and solutions to restore, develop and modernise seamless and cost effective national and trans-boundary infrastructure for the benefit of our people and economy,” he said.

The Government, he said, would also accelerate the upgrade and modernisation of other border posts, including Chirundu, Forbes, Plumtree, Nyamapanda, Kazungula and Victoria Falls.

The Beitbridge border modernisation project has also spurred massive development in the broader Beitbridge area.

“Along with other ancillary amenities, this development entrenches a sense of security for investment, improved service delivery and helps transform the town into a modern, industrialising and growing commercial hub. I challenge the town council to adopt projects and programmes to beautify the open spaces and other buildings, in the spirit of our National Clean-Up and Beautification Agenda,” he said.
New Ziana