By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
TWELVE civil servants families are set to benefit from the resumed construction of Government flats opposite Zuva Garage in Beitbridge.
Phase One of the resumed project is now 93% complete and families are expected to move in ahead of Independence Day on April 18 this year.
The ongoing works have reached are advanced with plumbing, painting, tiling, bathtubs, and toilets equipment already in place.
The flats are part of the Beitbridge Redevelopment Project, which was initiated in 2006 to provide affordable housing for government workers in the border town.
The project has since been revived and is being implemented in three phases.
Speaking to the press, Nkosinomusa Ngulube, the Deputy Director of Estate Management and Provincial Coordinator for Matabeleland South, said Phase One includes the completion of four blocks of flats two garden flats and two duplex blocks along with supporting infrastructure.
During his second inspection tour of the site the Minister of State for Matabeleland South and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe expressed satisfaction with the progress made since his previous visit in February, when the project stood at 81% completion.
“I am impressed with the progress that has been made here. The quality of work is commendable, and we are confident that the flats will be ready for occupation by Independence Day,” he said.
He also urged the construction team to collaborate with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) to clear and tidy the surrounding area to ensure a safe environment for incoming families.
“It is important that the surroundings match the standard of the buildings. Engaging ZPCS will help ensure the area is properly cleared and safe for the families who will soon move in,” he added.
The tour formed part of the minister’s inspection of projects under the 46th Independence legacy projects in Beitbridge District.
Among these is a monument to be built at Zezani Mission which was Assembly Point Juliet during the Bush War, where the Independence Flame Relay is scheduled to commence on April 10, 2026.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to officiate and ignite the Flame of Liberation.
At Siyoka and Malala Secondary Schools, where two of the 40 planned laboratories are being constructed under the legacy projects, Nguluvhe said progress had initially been slow due to delayed delivery of building materials.
“Although the projects started slowly due to late arrival of materials, we are now on track. By the 13th and 17th of April, the structures should have reached roof level, with further works continuing through to the end of the year,” he said.
The near completion of the civil servants’ flats marks a significant milestone in improving living conditions for government workers in Beitbridge.
Together with ongoing education and infrastructure developments under the Independence legacy projects, the initiative reflects renewed efforts to uplift communities and accelerate development in Matabeleland South.
Several other projects are ongoing in Matabeleland South which is the host province of this year’s Uhuru celebrations now being rotated around Zimbabwe instead of Harare that had become central to the party.