By Rex Mphisa
A Beitbridge government official has said several advantages have been realised from the several infrastructure development in Beitbridge in the recent past.
Addressing Beitbridge residents from all walks of life gathered for a Ministry of Finance and Economic Development national tax education campaign Gugu Moyo, the district economist, said border modernisation had enhanced regional trade.
The Beitbridge border post was upgraded for US$300 million to include out of port projects including a Fire Station donated to Beitbridge town.
A public animal quarantine was also built together with 242 houses at a Government staff village near another huge landmark of a water reservoir tank up Mawale Hills.
“The infrastructure development also saw job creation during and after after construction phases. A number of people have secured jobs from places hat were built,” he said.
Moyo said better public services like health, education, and water had been availed by the development of infrastructure.
“The government’s staff village has improved the accommodation for civil servants and most civil servants are happy to be working at Beitbridge,” said Moyo.
He said the infrastructure had also seen the improvement of the local economy which became stronger while the investment climate at Beitbridge has improved.
Some residents however complained the infrastructure took away a number their advantages since it became expensive to cross the border to South Africa.
“It must be realised that as Beitbridge residents we do not cross into South Africa for luxury but need. We are far away from major Zimbabwean centres. We need concessions because we at times go across for medication,” said one resident.