Vehicular traffic at the Beitbridge Border Post has surged as Zimbabwe’s busiest port of entry records a sharp increase in travellers returning home for the festive season, alongside foreign visitors entering the country for holiday leisure.
The ZimBorders Consortium, which manages the modernised Beitbridge Port of Entry under a 17-and-a-half-year concession agreement with the Government, said light vehicle traffic has risen significantly in recent days. During off-peak periods, the border typically processes about 300 light vehicles per day, but that figure has climbed to around 1 300 vehicles daily as holidaymakers pass through the crossing.
Authorities attribute the spike in traffic to the festive season, with Zimbabweans and travellers from neighbouring countries including Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique using the Beitbridge route to reach their destinations.
The Beitbridge Border Post was upgraded at a cost of US$300 million under a public-private partnership between the Government and the ZimBorders Consortium. The modernisation project was aimed at improving efficiency, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall traveller experience.
To manage the increased volumes, border authorities have implemented an integrated traffic-flow management system that permanently separates buses, light vehicles, freight and pedestrian traffic. Officials say the system has significantly reduced congestion and shortened waiting times.
Speaking during a three-day working visit by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who was accompanied by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, ZimBorders Consortium general manager Mr Nqobile Ncube said operations at the border had steadily improved over the past three years.
“We have noticed a notable increase in light vehicles over the past two days,” Mr Ncube said. “These are important to us because they represent visitors and family members returning home for the holidays after long journeys.”
He added that the consortium’s priority was to ensure travellers spend minimal time at the border, noting that systems had been put in place to ensure all three terminals are fully staffed to address any challenges promptly during the busy festive period.
