Binga on road rehabilitation drive.

The Binga Local Board has used its allocated devolution funds to undertake road rehabilitation projects in Binga town in a move that is expected to unlock significant investment opportunities within the district.

Binga achieved local board status in 2022.

In an interview, Never Mwinde, the Binga Local Board Administrator, highlighted that the government’s devolution funds have enabled the local authority to carry out road rehabilitation.

Mwinde applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the devolution agenda which he said has seen Binga receive funds and carry out several development projects including road rehabilitation. While the roads leading to Binga are yet to reach satisfactory levels, they had over the past two years improved ensuring smooth transportation of goods and passengers.

Roads play a crucial role in promoting development, and over 10 kilometers of Binga town roads are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The specific roads being rehabilitated include a 5km stretch in the low-density area, the road connecting Govera shopping centre to the low- density suburbs and the road leading to the Beach Sand area.

Mwinde emphasised the importance of well-maintained roads in Binga considering its status as a tourist destination. The local authority intends to ensure convenient access for tourists to attractions such as the Sand Beach, hot springs, Zambezi River, and Crocodile Farm.

Mwinde said the local authority is collaborating with the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (RIDA) in the road grading process.

With devolutions funds, the Binga administrator said soon the poor state of roads in Binga, which have been characterised by large potholes and cracked edges, will soon be a thing of the past. Although the exact amount allocated to the local authority was not disclosed, Binga residents are hopeful for significant improvements in the town's road infrastructure.

Binga is the fourth local board in Matebeleland North Province, following Tsholotsho and Lupane. The town boasts various tourist attractions, including sand beaches, hot springs, wildlife, and a border crossing with Zambia via the Namafulo Border Post, which has the potential to facilitate trade and commerce.