Beitbridge Border Post transformation begins

THE multi-million-dollar Beitbridge Border Post infrastructure upgrade has commenced with a consortium spearheading the Built-OperateTransfer venture optimistic of transforming the port of entry to world class standards before 2022.

Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the US$241 million project after it had been awarded to Zimborders in 2017. The venture is part of a broader infrastructure development framework that includes an upgrade of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, construction of the new Parliament building, expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station and various roads construction works.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza said the Beitbridge construction works are on course.

“The maintenance terminal structure has been completed. Brick work on the internal walls will be done in the next three weeks. Site clearing is ongoing and selection of a local sub-contractor for electrical, plastering and plumbing will go through the tender process in order to have sub-contractors on site in January 2020. A professional team was recently on site, reviewing the work completed so far. Final cleaning and snagging of current work is underway in preparation for the commencement of phase two.

Zimborders will be installing the services systems at the maintenance terminal before the end of the year.”

Responding to written questions from our Harare Bureau, Zimborders chief executive officer Mr Francois Diedrechsen said work had commenced ahead of the project’s financial closure. He said the consortium’s decision to pour its own resources was informed by the viability of the venture in attracting funding.

“We have commenced construction works, even though financial closure is yet to be attained. We are in the final process of financial closure, which is envisaged to be achieved by year end. Pre-financial closure construction work is underway and progressing well ahead of schedule. The maintenance building is under construction, foundations have been done, steel structures are erected and concrete and brick works have commenced. We have also constructed the traffic diversion circle and roads. Work on the booths has commenced.”

It is envisioned that the border upgrade will see Zimbabwe and South Africa implementing the One Stop Border Post concept. The upgrade includes construction of commercial customs offices, facilities to handle vehicle traffic according to their categories, a bridge to link with South Africa as well as upgrading some of Beitbridge’s key infrastructure. According to Mr Diedrechsen, the project also includes construction of a village to accommodate the port of entry’s employees.

Beitbridge Border Post is one of the busiest inland ports in sub-Saharan Africa. It links the northern and southern corridors, with an average of 500 vehicles and 10 000 people passing through the port every day.