By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Transport and Infrastructural Development deputy minister, Joshua Sacco, has commended Zimborders and other key stakeholders for their critical role in strengthening the country’s road infrastructure.
He was officially commissioning the Department of Roads Beitbridge Maintenance Camp on Thursday.
The new facility, built by Zimborders as part of the non-port works under the Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation Project, is expected to enhance the government’s capacity to maintain and preserve strategic road networks in Beitbridge District and beyond.
Delivering welcome remarks, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, hailed the project as a strategic investment that will improve the province’s infrastructure management capacity.
Sacco praised the collaborative efforts that made the project a reality, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in driving infrastructure development.
“The success of this project is a testament to the power of partnership. I would like to express our deep appreciation to Zimborders and all stakeholders for their contribution to the establishment of this modern road maintenance unit,” he said.
He said the facility is key to safeguarding the investment made in the modernisation of the border post and the upgraded Harare–Beitbridge Road, ensuring that the infrastructure remains in excellent condition to support trade facilitation and efficient traffic flow.
“While much attention is often focused on the magnificent terminal buildings at the border, the true success of this gateway lies in the supporting infrastructure — and this maintenance unit is at the heart of that success,” he added.
Sacco reaffirmed government’s commitment to Vision 2030, stressing that sustainable infrastructure development can only be achieved through strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities.
The Beitbridge Maintenance Camp forms part of a broader national programme to upgrade and fully capacitate road maintenance units across the country through modern equipment, skilled personnel, and digitalised systems.
Earlier on in his welcome remarks to Sacco and other dignitaries the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe said the facility will increase the responsiveness of staff tasked with road maintenance.
“We are proud to begin with the commissioning of the Department of Roads’ new Road Maintenance Unit Camp a strategic facility that will serve as a hub for road maintenance operations in Beitbridge District,” he said.
“This investment will greatly improve our responsiveness and efficiency in preserving our road assets, especially for the newly constructed Beitbridge–Masvingo Highway,” he added.
The new facility will accommodate foremen, administrative officers, and supervisors, while the rest of the workers will be recruited from the surrounding communities. It will also include a guest house, an administration block with four offices, and a workshop.
The Deputy Minister further announced that the ministry will procure equipment to be used for road construction works.