The Zimbabwean Cabinet has approved a proposal for the multimillion water treatment plant in Beitbridge to sell water to Musina in South Africa, the largest intra-African land border post along one of Africa’s biggest trade corridors, to facilitate the functioning of the town by improving water resources and cooperative governance between the two countries.
Musina has perennially been dogged by water woes, resulting in South Africa approaching Zimbabwe for a rescue package.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, confirmed the latest development after a Cabinet meeting in Zimbabwe recently.
''Cabinet approved the amendment to the agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe on the supply of treated water from the Beitbridge water treatment works in Zimbabwe to Musina town,'' he said.
''The agreement will facilitate the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina at agreed terms and conditions and provide a framework for any such arrangements amongst the designated competent authorities.
''Benefits of this agreement include the following: improved water resources cooperation and governance, and improved livelihoods for the people of Zimbabwe due to the generation of the much-needed foreign currency.''
Beitbridge and Musina towns share a number of cross-cutting challenges that come with their geographical location next to the Southern African Development Community’s largest land border post along one of Africa's biggest trade corridors.
Daily, the two councils host close to 15 000 people in transit who expect to get a number of services. Alongside this is the infrastructure to handle trucks, customs and operate truck stops.
Both towns, which are like identical twins, share challenges with managing pandemics and public health, water, sewer and roads infrastructure, among other amenities.
Whatever happened in Musina in terms of health or social challenges and road challenges had a spill-over effect on Beitbridge and vice versa, Dr Muswere said.
He added that the deal would result in strengthened relations and cooperation with South Africa on a number of fronts.
It would enhance the prevention of significant harm in the two countries through joint efforts in management of water resources of the Limpopo River.
Dr Muswere said Beitbridge town's water management was set to improve considering that it would get the much-needed foreign currency from the supply of water to Musina.
''Under the agreement there will be equitable and reasonable use of transboundary water resources,'' he added.
The development comes a few months after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Musina and Beitbridge to have a twinning arrangement. The move paves the way for the two councils to cooperate in a number of areas that will stir economic development on both sides of the border.
Beitbridge town clerk Loud Ramakgapola said recently that the MoU covered a number of areas on which they needed to cooperate and share ideas.
These include exchange programmes, the development of small to medium enterprises, and sharing calendars of events.
