Beitbridge CBD extension project set to transform town

Construction of a new Central Business District (CBD) extension in Beitbridge has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernise the border town and support its transformation into a fully-fledged city.

The project, located between the Engen Service Station and Tshitaudze Business Centre along Bulawayo Road, was officially launched on Wednesday by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.

Servicing works have been awarded to private contractor Tiger Eye and are expected to take between six and nine months to complete. The project is projected to create about 80 jobs for local residents during the construction phase.

Commercial development on the serviced stands is expected to begin in early 2027.

The CBD extension will comprise 33 commercial stands earmarked for various developments, including a medical centre, three shopping complexes, a recreation facility, retail outlets and parking infrastructure.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Albert Nguluvhe said infrastructure development remains central to improving service delivery, economic activity and living standards within communities.

"This is a privilege for me to witness the official commencement of the CBD extension servicing meant to modernise our town and make it truly the face of Zimbabwe," he said.

"True development should be people-centred and every kilometre of a new road, sewer system laid, drainage constructed and water infrastructure done should be measured in lives that have been transformed and jobs created."

Nguluvhe said the contractor would install key infrastructure, including tarred roads, sewer systems, water reticulation networks and stormwater drainage before stands are allocated to developers.

He noted that the project aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seeks to drive economic growth and support Zimbabwe's goal of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.

According to the minister, the development will provide a foundation for modern commercial infrastructure while positioning Beitbridge to meet the demands of its rapidly growing population and expanding economy.

"The new extension is strategically located to become the future centre of business for the town. The existing old CBD is constrained in terms of expansion," he said.

"Beitbridge town is experiencing rapid growth and this growth brings immense pressure to modernise and expand our built environment. The servicing of this layout therefore comes at the right time."

Nguluvhe said the municipality envisions a modern business district featuring multi-storey commercial buildings, with a minimum target of four-storey structures.

"If realised, it would be the first cluster of multi-storey buildings in Beitbridge, dramatically altering the town's skyline," he said.

He urged both the municipality and the contractor to work closely together to ensure the project is completed on schedule and in accordance with required standards.

The minister also stressed the importance of ensuring that future residential and commercial stands are fully serviced before allocation.

"Beitbridge town must learn from this project that stands must be fully serviced with water, roads, sewer and drainage before they are allocated. This should be the example in all the layouts we have," he said.

Project manager Michael Munodawafa said construction activities were already underway and expressed confidence that the works would be completed within the projected nine-month period.

He said the contractor intends to increase female participation in the project as part of efforts to promote gender inclusion in the construction sector.

Munodawafa added that local workers employed during the project would benefit from skills development and training programmes designed to leave a lasting impact on the community.

"Upon completion of this project, we expect to see more residents in this town, especially women, being able to use the skills related to construction work they will learn here to make a living," he said.

"We moved on site on May 25 and we expect to be done by the end of February next year, after which stand owners should be able to start developing their properties."

The CBD expansion is expected to play a key role in enhancing Beitbridge's commercial infrastructure, attracting investment and supporting the town's long-term urban development plans as it continues to grow into one of Zimbabwe's most important economic hubs.