Call for business to maximise on Beitbridge 24-hour operations
BUSINESSES in Beitbridge should start mapping a roadmap to fully tap into 24-hour operations in the border town, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
He said these remarks at the official opening of the second edition of the Beitbridge Business Expo held at Dulivhadzimu Stadium that was meant to promote investment and the town’s economic growth.
The programme which started on Thursday and ended yesterday was held under the theme: “Beitbridge 24 seven” which follows realisation that the town has been growing rapidly in terms of infrastructure but with limited industries mainly those in the services sector.
“Ladies and gentlemen, despite the adverse effects of Covid-19 which interrupted the fair for the past two years, the organising team has done their best to ensure 2022 was going to be a success. Indeed, and true to their wishes, the Expo has raised the image of Beitbridge to further market the town as a 24/7 town, whose theme “Beitbridge 24/7”, is in congruence with the Beitbridge border post upgrades and operational hours.
Equally, I urge local businesses to take advantage of the fact that the border is open 24/7 and should thus start thinking of 24 hour operations,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu said taking note that Beitbridge is the busiest point of entry in Sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 10000-15000 daily transient population, the numbers mean good business for the investments in the town.
“I am happy to see that Beitbridge has become a construction site laden with development activities. The upgrade of the Beitbridge border post was a necessary move in line with Vision 2030. This will significantly reduce traffic delays and congestion which had become a daily nightmare experience and enhance economic activity,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said it is fine that the tourism and hospitality industry is revived in Beitbridge.
“The two hotels are currently closed, hopefully temporarily in wait for innovative investors who can put the two buildings back to use. The Great Limpopo River presents numerous tourism opportunities. Its charming riverine environment is one opportunity which business can take advantage of. The river basin may be harnessed to develop more accommodation facilities, nature parks, waterfront facilities, water games, wildlife viewing (crocodiles, Hippo, birds), water sporting, boating, canoeing, among other things. The naturalness and panoramic quality of the landscape will definitely provide a distinctive view to tourists.
“The magnificent landform known as the Dulivadzimu Gorge deserves mention, as an important tourist feature. This historical gorge is found along the Limpopo, 5 km South West of this town. The establishment of Dulivadzimu Gorge and development of the Limpopo River front may attract travellers and tourists to spend a few dollars in Beitbridge town and this will be beneficial to the town. We should also take advantage of programmes such as the Tour De Tuli to rigorously market the Town and the Province at Large.”
Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti hailed the success of the expo highlighting that President Emmerson Mngangagwa’s thrust for development and decentralisation is bearing fruitful results.
“Their performance from 40 to 101 exhibitors shows that they have come of age and are on course of more growth,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.
— @mthabisi_mthire.