The Sunday News
From Roberta Katunga in Binga
STAFF shortages at the immigration department and Government delays in releasing money to complete infrastructure developments at the site earmarked for the new Zimbabwe-Zambia border in Kani area in Binga has delayed the completion of the project.
The place only has staff houses that were constructed more than seven years ago.
The Zambian side has kept its end of the bargain by constructing Namafulu border post.
Although it could not be established how much was needed for the project, in an interview Senator Chief Siansali of Kariangwe in Binga said construction of the remaining infrastructure needed to be prioritised as both governments had agreed on the project as a way of connecting the BaTonga people and boosting tourism by creating a water passageway between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Government is not recruiting staff to come and do the construction work and the immigration department told us they are understaffed and cannot release any people,” said Sen Chief Siansali.
He said the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority had already committed itself to the project and would put temporary makeshift structures.
Chief Siansali said construction of the border post was imperative for the growth of the economy as Binga as a tourist destination had a poor road network.
“Binga as a tourist destination is underutilised and the roads are in a terrible state. People would prefer to cut across the water rather than drive here hence the border post will not only connect the BaTonga people but contribute to the economic activities and increase trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia,” he said.
Chief Siansali said it was disheartening to see the houses that were built for the staff dilapidating due to lack of use and the money and effort that was put in constructing go to waste.
Three executive houses, each four bedroomed, electrified and fully serviced were built as part of the project.
“We as the local leadership are urging the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to make this a special case and authorise recruitment of staff so that this project is completed,” he said.
The Binga local authority allocated stands for the construction of offices and Chief Siansali said efforts were being made to engage the responsible ministry.
Zanu PF member Cde Samuel Mugande said they had held meetings with stakeholders and a recommendation was sent to the responsible ministry.
The idea to construct a border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia in Binga came as part of efforts to reconnect the Tonga people as the Zambezi river cut across a village and the people, mostly relatives were separated.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have good bilateral relations and share similar political history while people on both sides of the border share strong cultural and religious ties.
