By Zivanai Dhewa

Beitbridge Border Post was described as a very important Border Post that requires Government support.

This was revealed by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube during his tour of the Beitbridge Border Post for purposes of assessing the progression of the expansion and modernisation project.

Speaking during the tour, Minister Mthuli said, “It is quite clear that Beitbridge border post is an important border, it handles traffic into Zimbabwe and beyond, as far as the DRC, Malawi and Zambia.  It’s a very important border and needs our support.”

Minister Mthuli further highlighted that the Border Post was one of the country’s foreign currency earners, drawing millions in United State dollars.

“In terms of revenue the figures are quite brilliant, it contributes about US$170 million per week and US$1.5billion per quarter.

Speaking at the same occasion Minister Ncube stressed the importance of observing World Health Organisation laid down regulations to prevent the spread of Covid19 in the border town and country.

“We are aware that Beitbridge is a special place as it is the entry route for most covid19 cases, so we need to do more to enhance capacity to handle the cases whether in transit or local.

“Our main concern is to save lives and the other is to save livelihoods, and saving lives really is about prevention, social distancing, wearing masks and no more handshakes and also observing what the police are doing on the roads.  Stay out of the CBD unless absolutely necessary.

“We are very strict about testing and quarantine, so far we have spent well over $200million in upgrading quarantine right across the country, said Minister Mthuli” 

Present during the tour was Minister of State for Matebeleland South Province and Devolution, Abednico Ncube and Commissioner General for Zimra Faith Mazani among others.