ED flies into Beitbridge housing crisis

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Beitbridge today for belated commemorations of the World Habitat Day.

The event comes at a time when most civil servants in the border town are experiencing accommodation shortages, with some staying in inhabitable structures.

The event will be hosted by the National Housing ministry.

World Habitat Day is held on the first Monday of October each year, and is recognised by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities.

It also raises awareness on issues pertaining to the right to shelter.

During his Beitbridge tour, Mnangagwa is expected to commission some houses that were constructed for civil servants.

Due to accommodation problems, most civil servants in Beitbridge stay in rented houses.

Currently, the border town is witnessing various construction activities, including the US$300 million border post upgrade, the US$700 million Harare-Beitbridge Highway revamp, and the US$56 million rapid road development project for Beitbridge urban.

“There is plant equipment at every turn and this is a clear sign of development. We applaud the government for its urban roads gesture,” Beitbridge town clerk Loud Ramakgapola said.

“This development increases investor confidence,” he said.

Beitbridge is benefiting from government projects, and a multi-million-dollar fire station is also taking shape.

Other projects include a complete overhaul of water supply, and the upgrade of Beitbridge District Hospital.

Beitbridge residents hope that Mnangagwa will announce the re-opening of the border as it is a source of livelihood for most residents in the border town. It was closed in March last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.