So much is happening in our beloved nation and we, in the village, are bubbling with joy.
We are in the 10th month of the year and in all the 10 provinces, are notable developments pointing to a prosperous and bright future.
Were it not for the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the US and UK our growth could be taking place at a phenomenal pace. It is time every voice in the country call for the removal of these diabolic restrictive measures. Also its time those calling for continued sanctions to face the wrath of the law for doing so is a treasonous act. Despite the sanctions we are growing our economy.
And it is good to take time to celebrate.
We must enjoy the coming to fruition of our efforts, energy and goals.
While many notable projects have been successfully completed around the country and are positively impacting lives, in this article I want to dwell on the new-look Beitbridge Border Post.
It’s been a while since President Mnangagwa officially opened the modernised Beitbridge Border Post.
I am a frequent user of this border post and I feel justice has not been done to celebrate this major milestone.
President Mnangagwa has described the upgrading and modernisation of the border post as “a key milestone in the operationalisation of the Integrated Beitbridge Development Master Plan and stands out as one of the signature infrastructure projects being implemented, to date, by the Second Republic”.
And no words could be truer.
It is common knowledge that buildings have a unique ability to bring people together, whether to enjoy a shared space, start a conversation, inspire a design movement, or capture the personality of the culture they’re a part of.
Facilities have been recognised for their positive impact on wellbeing, with everything from a building’s layout to its interiors, having the power to spark joy in those who pass through it.
This is exactly what the new-look Beitbridge Border Post is about.
It has become a place of joy, a place of peace, a place of serenity and a place that has become a source of pride.
Even South Africans are confessing and enjoying the beauty of the Zimbabwean side of the border.
Travellers cannot wait to get to the border and now, it is Zimbabwean facilities that are preferred, from ablution and other services.
The border post was upgraded and modernised under a US$300 million agreement.
What we have today is an inspiring environment for travellers.
The Great Zimbabwe monument-inspired freight terminal is magnificent and has become a photo-shoot spot for many travellers.
The bus terminal is equally delightful and so are the spaces for private motorists, heavy vehicles and even pedestrians.
The new Beitbridge Border Post, arguably, can fall into the category of what is considered neuroarchitecture.
Neuroarchitecture describes υυυ
τττ buildings and environments thought to influence people’s behaviour and mental state. In this sense, neuroarchitecture would be the dialogue that is established between spaces and our minds, which is exactly what is presently happening in Beitbridge.
The new border post represents everything that an iconic and public building should be, a unique style, simple, super smart and elegant, and above all, welcoming.
The upgrading of Beitbridge Border Post was financed to the tune of US$300 million and clearly no expense was spared or funds diverted.
As one of the country’s busiest ports of entry and exit, we could not be more proud and also considering that this is a key infrastructure for Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The upgraded facility has automated implements, refrigerated storage facilities for perishables and is secured against fire.
Traffic flow has improved, while efficiency has been added to customs services.
It used to take five working days to clear haulage trucks, but now it takes three hours, a development that has been applauded by the transport and financial institutions on vehicles turn-around times that increase business volumes.
The upgrade of the Beitbridge Border Post also saw 220 new houses for Government workers, a fire station and a massive water storage and distribution facility with capacity to supply up to a 40km radius from the border town.
Indeed “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe liyakiwa ngabanikazi balo”.
In the past, the excitable opposition promised people heaven on earth, declaring that loads of cash from the West would be supplied to rebuild the country if they got into power.
But the clearest message coming from the Second Republic is that the best way forward for all Zimbabweans, including civil society and so-called ‘human rights’ activists, is to unequivocally call for the removal of sanctions.
The civil society, ‘activists’ and their backers, are doomed to fail in their attempt to discredit Zimbabwe as the country is moving ahead and thriving.
Let us continue to celebrate our developments and successes.
