By Ziyah News Network
INVESTORS hoping to secure commercial stands in Beitbridge’s new Central Business District (CBD) will have to build four-storey structures or risk losing their allocations, the Municipality of Beitbridge has announced.
Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola made the declaration during Monday’s full council meeting, saying the municipality was determined to create a modern skyline that reflects Beitbridge’s growing status as a strategic border town.
Ramakgapola said hundreds of applications had already been received for the new commercial stands, but only 33 investors would be selected.
“We want investors who have the capacity to develop. Those allocated stands will be expected to construct four-storey buildings, ” he said.
He said the municipality would begin assessing applications at the end of August, with priority given to investors who demonstrate the financial and technical capacity to undertake the required developments.
The servicing of the new CBD is currently underway, with private contractor Tiger Eye opening roads ahead of the construction of tarred streets and other supporting infrastructure.
Ramakgapola said the initial roadworks were progressing well, paving the way for council to begin allocating stands once the required infrastructure reaches the next phase.
The new CBD, located between the Engen Service Station and Tshitaudze Business Centre, was officially launched in June by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe.
The development forms part of the municipality’s long-term vision to modernise Beitbridge and transform it into a city.
The 33 commercial stands have been earmarked for a medical centre, three shopping complexes, a recreation centre, retail outlets, and parking facilities.
Servicing works are expected to take between six and nine months, with construction of commercial buildings scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Municipal officials say the project is expected to attract investment, create employment and deliver a modern business district befitting one of Southern Africa’s busiest border towns.