By Patience Gondo
BEITBRIDGE residents planning to access municipal services during the festive season have been advised of adjusted office hours following through an announcement by the Municipality of Beitbridge issued Friday.
In a public notice Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola said the council offices will be closed on December 22, 25 and 26 as well as on January 1,2026 in observance of National Unity Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day respectively.
Ahead of the holidays Ramakgapola said the council offices will remain open on December 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31, 2025 to allow residents to complete essential transactions before the year ends.
However the municipality said that on December 24 and 31, offices will close earlier than usual at 1pm as staff prepare for Christmas and New Year’s Day.
“While some services will be unavailable during the closures, the municipality reassured residents that essential services will continue under a skeletal staff arrangement.
Departments providing critical support, including engineering services such as plumbing, security services, environmental health, health services at clinics, fire and ambulance services, and limited finance functions, will remain operational throughout the festive period,” Ramakgapola said.
For residents particularly those relying on emergency health care, water services or municipal security the continuation of essential services offers reassurance during a time when many households experience increased demand due to travel celebrations and high population movement in the border town.
The municipality said normal working hours will resume on Friday, January 2, 2025 as council staff return to full duty after the holidays.
“The Municipality remains committed to serving the community throughout the festive season and wishes everyone a joyous and safe holiday period,”said Ramakgapola .