By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Government of Zimbabwe is strengthening its preparedness measures amid fears of a potential increase in returnees from South Africa, with plans underway to engage the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) to transport returnees from Beitbridge to their respective homes and provinces.
The move comes as authorities seek to avoid situations where returnees are left stranded in the border town, a challenge that has previously contributed to street squatting and increased petty crime in Beitbridge.
Speaking during an assessment of the Beitbridge Reception Centre on Monday, Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Harare Principal Administrative Officer Nyararai Mutikuwe said the government was reinforcing its readiness in response to escalating anti-migrant tensions in South Africa.
Addressing district stakeholders, including Beitbridge District Civil Protection Unit Chairperson Sikangezile Mafu, Mutikuwe said the assessment was aimed at identifying gaps and strengthening systems for receiving and assisting returnees.
“In the wake of escalating anti-migrant tensions in the Republic of South Africa, the Government of Zimbabwe needs to reinforce its preparedness for the arrival of forced returnees. The assessment enables the Government and partners to identify priority gaps and needs, and to strengthen arrangements for receiving and assisting returnees in an orderly, dignified and humane manner,” he said.
Mutikuwe revealed that government was arranging to contract ZUPCO to provide onward transportation for returnees. Currently, transport and food support are being provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a government partner.
He said the assessment went beyond infrastructure and examined the centre’s capacity to provide a safe, dignified, efficient and coordinated reception process from arrival through to transportation and reintegration.
The rapid assessment focused on seven key areas: holding capacity and accommodation, food and water availability, health and protection services, transportation to final destinations, registration and processing capacity, coordination arrangements, and emergency surge capacity for mass returns.
During the assessment, Beitbridge Reception Centre Superintendent Nobuhle Ncube highlighted several challenges facing the facility.
She said while the centre is currently managing the number of returnees arriving, existing infrastructure would be inadequate should the numbers increase significantly.
The centre has only six toilets functional, three for females and three for males, while food is not provided on site, with returnees relying on food vouchers supplied by IOM.
Transportation is also currently facilitated by the organisation.
Ncube said that the centre does not have a resident health specialist and recommended that one be deployed to ensure prompt medical assistance when required.
The issue of stranded returnees has long been a concern for Beitbridge residents and local authorities.
In previous cases, some deportees were left in the border town without transport or accommodation, leading many to sleep in the streets while awaiting assistance. Local stakeholders have linked the situation to an increase in petty crime and pressure on already strained community resources.
The government’s proposed intervention through ZUPCO is expected to ease these challenges by ensuring returnees are transported directly to their home districts, reducing the likelihood of them remaining stranded in Beitbridge.