By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
HUNDREDS of members of Cross Borders for Economic Development (CrossBorders4ED) drawn from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe and the diaspora converged in Beitbridge on Friday for a three-in-one campaign focusing on environmental cleanliness, anti-smuggling and the fight against drug and substance abuse.
The campaign coincided with the National Clean-Up Campaign held on the first Friday of every month as well as World Environment Day commemorations, attracting government officials, businesspeople and community members.
Speaking during the event, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, commended Cross Borders for ED for organising a campaign that addresses some of the country’s pressing social and economic challenges.
He urged members of Cross Borders for ED not to be part of individuals involved in smuggling activities, emphasising that traders should become ambassadors for lawful trade and national development.
Nguluvhe further challenged cross-border bus operators to install litter bins inside their buses to discourage passengers from throwing waste through windows while travelling.
“When passengers throw litter through bus windows, it negatively affects the environment and livestock. Bus operators must play their part by ensuring bins are available in all buses,” he said.
Nguluvhe also applauded Zimborders and stakeholders operating at the Beitbridge Border Post for maintaining cleanliness at the country’s busiest port of entry.
“The border area is clean and that is commendable. What remains is addressing the sewage challenges in our town. Let us work together to clean up the sewage situation and keep Beitbridge clean,” he said.
Cross Borders for ED National Chairperson David Jani Masomere said the association deliberately combined the three campaigns because they complement each other.
“We decided to conduct a three-in-one campaign encompassing the National Clean-Up Campaign, anti-drug and substance abuse awareness, and anti-smuggling awareness. As major users of the border post, it is our responsibility to keep it clean,” said Masomere.
“Drugs are often smuggled through border points, hence these campaigns complement each other. We are cross-border traders and we want to be part of the solution by promoting clean business practices and protecting our communities.”
Masomere said the initiative was also in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for citizens to participate in the National Clean-Up Campaign every first Friday of the month.
He appealed to the Minister to facilitate the allocation of land for the construction of a dedicated Cross Borders for ED Trade Centre in Beitbridge that would serve as a marketplace and business hub for traders.
Masomere also called for improved efficiency at the border by proposing a one-stop search point where all relevant authorities conduct inspections simultaneously.
“We are appealing for a single search point where all stakeholders can conduct searches at once. Multiple inland searches cause unnecessary delays and negatively affect business operations,” he said.
He urged cross-border traders to comply with border regulations and conduct their businesses within the confines of the law.
Masomere announced that the next Cross Borders for ED national campaign will be held at Forbes Border Post in Manicaland Province.
Beitbridge Senator Tambudzani Mohadi applauded the organisation for supporting government programmes and mobilizing members from across the country.
“You have shown excellence by bringing together affiliates from all provinces to support government efforts. Continue taking these initiatives to other provinces so that more communities benefit,” said Senator Mohadi.
The event saw participants cleaning sections of the border post, bus terminus and surrounding public areas while spreading awareness messages against drug and substance abuse and smuggling.