We were the first to do something about this mismatch, through the modernisation of the Beitbridge Port. Today, it is an exemplar of a modern and efficient port infrastructure and operating system. We were able to share our experiences in developing the Beitbridge Port with our South African brothers and sisters. It was a very happy and fulfilling day for both countries.
The joint tour quite apart, President Ramaphosa and I also discussed possibilities of building another bridge across Vembe or Limpopo River. This is a project which Zimbabwe will wholly fund and execute, but it requires South Africa’s say-so so the proposed bridge is accorded landing rights on the South African side. I am happy that President Ramaphosa was supportive. An additional bridge will enhance vehicular traffic between our two territories, thus, improving even more the movement of people, goods and services.
We both realised that Beitbridge and Musina do not have good airport facilities for air traffic. Zimbabwe intends to extend the existing runway at Beitbridge so it is able to host bigger aircraft. This would give the border town and post a triad modal capacity, namely, rail, road and air traffic.
Our refurbishment and extension of Buffalo Range Airport is part of our grand plan for the Southern Corridor.
From the air, I was able to appreciate the expansion of cane fields in Chiredzi. This is most encouraging, given that Tugwi Mukosi waters are now available and are being utilised fully, and gainfully. Government is already working on a new masterplan premised on waters of Lake Mutirikwi and Manjirenji Dam, which should underpin the development of drylands in Masvingo province.
Plans are afoot to build a huge water body, Tende-Runde, through private capital. South Africa has a direct interest in this mega project, which should slack the thirst of South Africa’s Limpopo, quite apart from turning dry districts of Mwenezi and Beitbridge into green belts.
I am also happy that work is underway to refurbish the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, and this as a precursor to the dualisation and modernisation of that key arterial highway.
A lot looks very bright for our country and our SADC sub-region. We remain determined to make Zimbabwe the model of a land-linked country and a sub-regional transport hub.
By President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the Sunday Mail
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