eBusiness Weekly
Martin Kadzere
Cabinet has raised concerns over investors shortlisted for the multi-million dollar upgrading of Beitbridge Border Post, potentially putting on ice Zimbabwe’s plans to improve movement of vehicular traffic at the post.
Well-placed sources told Business Weekly this week that there were bids from three investors that were running for the contract to expand southern Africa’s busiest port of entry, but Cabinet raised strong reservations on their capacity to undertake the project. Beitbridge Border Post handles most of the traffic to and from South Africa, and is Zimbabwe’s single biggest trading partner. It is estimated that at least $100 million is required to upgrade and modernize the border post to meet international standards.
“An evaluation was made by a team comprising technical and financial advisors and the bids for those shortlisted were submitted to Cabinet for evaluation,” said one source.
“It is where strong reservations were raised over the calibre of the shortlisted investors and their financing models it is on ice for now. There is need for a directive from the Government on how to proceed. Currently, it is not clear whether the Government will re-launch the tender for the project.”
The upgrade and expansion of the border post will encompass an upgrade of the road network to and from the border post, perimeter fencing and gate control infrastructure, parking areas, commercial centre, staff accommodation, weigh-bridge, upgrading of communication, security and lighting systems, computerisation and construction of a new bridge among others.
The upgrading of the Beitbridge Border Post would expedite processes ahead of the implementation of the one-stop border post concept between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The expansion of the Beitbridge Border Post would be implemented under a build operate and transfer arrangement. Beitbridge, being the region’s busiest entry point, continued to be a major bottleneck to the smooth flow of traffic, both goods and people due to inadequate facilities.
Research has shown that Southern Africa has witnessed an increase in the volume of commercial and private cross-border traffic. This has put pressure on inland ports of entry as well as sea ports with the Beitbridge Border Post handling the largest volume of traffic in Southern Africa.
However, there had been no significant infrastructure development in the past decade. Incidences of smuggling and other illegal activities have increased. The existing infrastructure fails to contain the volume of traffic, enabling travellers to evade duty payment.
