By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
SERVICING works at Beitbridge’s new Commercial Business District (CBD), located between Tshitaudze and the area south of the Government complex, have reached approximately 60 percent completion, with road tarring expected to begin before the end of the year.
The development, which commenced in May, is being undertaken by Beitbridge Municipality in partnership with Tiger Eye Development.
Speaking to Ziyah Network, Beitbridge Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola said progress on the project had been encouraging, with the contractor having completed an estimated 60 percent of the servicing works.
“The progress is going on well. So far, on average, the contractor has done at least 60 percent of the work. Good progress has been visible and, before the rains at the end of the year, we should see the process of tarring roads taking place,” he said.
The new CBD is expected to expand Beitbridge’s commercial space and create opportunities for businesses seeking to establish operations in the border town.
Meanwhile, the municipality has received more than 100 applications from prospective business operators seeking stands in the new commercial hub, despite the limited number of stands available.
Ramakgapola said the local authority intends to begin processing the applications once servicing works reach approximately 75 percent completion.
“Applications have been received, and over 100 of them are against a few available stands. We want to start the process when development is around 75 percent. So, in the next two months, we should start screening the applicants and shortlisting them for interviews,” he said.
The planned screening process is expected to pave the way for the selection of applicants who will be allocated stands in the new business district.
By linking the application process to progress on the ground, the municipality aims to advance the allocation exercise alongside the ongoing infrastructure development.
With servicing works estimated to be 60 percent complete, attention is now turning to the remaining infrastructure, particularly roads, ahead of the anticipated rainy season.
The new CBD forms part of efforts to expand commercial development in Beitbridge, a strategic border town whose location offers opportunities for trade, business and investment.
As construction progresses, prospective investors and business operators will be watching closely for further updates on the completion of servicing works and the forthcoming stand allocation process.