Zanu-PF team monitors Beitbridge operations

The ruling ZANU-PF party has deployed senior members of its Economic Development Cluster on a two-day working visit to Beitbridge Border Post to assess the implementation of economic development policies and trade facilitation efforts at the country's busiest port of entry.

The visit follows resolutions made at the 21st Annual National People's Conference in Bulawayo last year, aimed at strengthening economic governance and improving trade efficiency.

The delegation is led by ZANU-PF National Secretary for Economic Affairs, Retired Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje, alongside Secretary for Business Development, Elifasi Mashaba, and the Director of Economic Affairs, Anastacia Ndlovu.

Speaking during the tour, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje emphasized the importance of ensuring ease of doing business and seamless trade facilitation through the border post, which serves as a key gateway for regional commerce.

"Beitbridge Border Post is the nexus of regional and international trade, and as such, there must be proper synchronisation and coordination between the party and the Government," he said.

He noted that ZANU-PF, as the ruling party, sets the national economic agenda, and government policies should align with the party's resolutions.

The US$300 million Beitbridge modernisation project has significantly improved border efficiency, reducing congestion and clearing times for cargo and travellers. However, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje highlighted concerns over revenue leakages and smuggling, which continue to cost the country millions in lost revenue.

"Our visit here aligns with party resolutions from the Bulawayo conference, where we agreed that ZIMRA, working with law enforcement agencies, must implement a robust system to curb leakages of unprocessed natural resources and the smuggling of goods," he said.

He stressed the need for a duty payment regime that balances government revenue collection with the interests of the general public.

During the visit, the ZANU-PF team engaged cross-border traders, transporters, SMEs, law enforcement agencies, and informal traders to gather feedback on economic policies.

"We have had fruitful discussions and will take the feedback to the Politburo for further deliberation," said Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje.

He added that the tracking of government programs is being aligned with party objectives under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs to ensure efficiency and necessary policy adjustments.

Mashaba, the party's Secretary for Business Development, emphasized the need for service delivery at the border to match the upgraded infrastructure.

"A lot of money was put into this project, and our thinking is that there should be a change of attitude towards work," he said.

The visit underscores ZANU-PF's commitment to ensuring that economic development policies are effectively implemented, in line with the country's Vision 2030 goal of achieving upper-middle-income status.