Chipinge businessmen appeal for road upgrade to boost trade
THE Chipinge business community has called on Government to upgrade the road connecting Chipinge to Mt Selinda Border Post to boost trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
In an interview with The Herald, Chipinge business community chairperson Mr James Gabaza said improving road networks would help boost business in line with Government’s popular mantra Zimbabwe is open for business.
“Chipinge has the potential to become a big economic district because of its proximity to Mozambique but there is no road network linking it to the neighbouring country.
“We are blessed to have Mt Selinda Border Post but it is not fully utilised because it is impassable.
“Our neighbours have good roads, which reach the border but from there to this place there is no proper road, hence we believe that if the road is rehabilitated Chipinge will be turned into a hub of economic activity,” he said.
Mr Gabaza added that if the road was maintained it could be one of the busiest in the country because it also links Mozambique and South Africa.
“Many transporters now shun using the Mt Selinda Border Post because of the bad state of the road despite it being the shortest route into Mozambique,” said Mr Gabaza.
Another businessman, Mr Innocent Simango, said upgrading roads linking Mt Selinda Border Post and Chipinge would also help reduce smuggling.
“Smuggling is rampant in Chipinge district because of the porous border post and we hope that if the road linking Mt Selinda Border Post and Chipinge town is rehabilitated illegal entry and smuggling of goods will be reduced,” he said.
He added that the upgrading of the Chipinge-Mt Selinda border road was key in unlocking the economic potential of both Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as it is the shortest gateway to the sea.
“At the moment, heavy vehicles cannot use the road, which is negatively affecting trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, hence if road networks in strategic areas like this are upgraded, our economy will grow.”