By Chantelle Nuzanenhamo
THE Municipality of Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola says delays by a developer have stalled plans to construct a double-storey complex for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at Ward 4 Rank, despite the project having been highlighted during the 2026 Budget Consultations.
“The developer let us down. We wanted to have commenced construction of the double-storey building for SMEs at Beitbridge Ward 4 Rank by now, as we had previously said during our 2026 Budget Consultations. We have written to the developer, and we are working on it so that progress starts happening,” said Ramakgapola.
He was speaking during the Women’s Quota Council 2027 Budget Consultations held at the Beitbridge Municipality Council Chambers on Thursday, where he gave feedback on issues raised during previous consultations.
The proposed facility is expected to provide space for SMEs, potentially creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to operate and grow their businesses.
Ramakgapola also acknowledged delays in addressing calls for a library to support students and other residents who require research facilities.
He said the library issue had been outstanding for a long time, adding that the municipality was encouraging local students to use the free Wi-Fi available at the council chambers as an interim measure.
Ramakgapola said council is considering extending Wi-Fi coverage to the water fountain opposite Gain in the central business district (CBD). Plans are to establish a shade where community members could access free internet and conduct research.
Meanwhile, Ward 4 resident Descent Moyo questioned the relationship between council revenue collection and service delivery, saying residents were struggling to pay their bills because they were not seeing adequate improvements in services.
Moyo called on the municipality to improve service delivery and ensure residents could see tangible benefits from the revenue collected.
Speaking at the consultations, Women’s Quota Councillor Brenda Maworere encouraged women, young people and persons with disabilities to actively participate in local governance by raising concerns affecting their communities.
Maworere said women’s participation helped council understand challenges relating to livelihoods, entrepreneurship, household welfare and women’s economic empowerment.
She also emphasised the importance of involving persons with disabilities in identifying barriers to public services, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
“I encourage everyone to speak openly and constructively. Let us propose practical projects and priorities that council can consider within its mandate and available resources. Inclusion must go beyond attending meetings; it must involve listening to people’s views and considering them in decision-making,” said Maworere.
The 2027 consultations provided a platform for residents to revisit outstanding commitments and raise concerns about development projects, access to information and municipal service delivery.