Inauguration of the Beitbridge Migrant Resource Centre- 22 May 2015
The momentous occasion of the official opening of the Beitbridge Migrant Resource Centre (BMRC), was held on the 22nd of May 2015. The occasion was graced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social welfare, Mr Ngoni Masoka and the International Organization for Migration Zimbabwe Chief of Mission, Mr Martin Ocaga.
Local and provincial stakeholders converged at the BMRC to bear witness to this historic occasion. The occasion pulled together representatives from all government departments, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisation operating within the Beitbridge district.
In his remarks during the ceremony, the IOM Chief of mission congratulated the Government of Zimbabwe for being touch bearer in the SADC region for establishing and operationalising a Migrant Resource Centre. The IOM Chief of Mission further called upon the Government of Zimbabwe to consider rolling out similar projects to other parts of the country with preference given to high migrant sending areas. His remarks highlighted that the occasion marked the official opening of the BMRC and its subsequent handover to the government of Zimbabwe. In conclusion of his remarks, Mr. Ocaga wished the Government of Zimbabwe all of the best in running of the migrant resource centre.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Masoka delivered his remarks during the occasion in which he expressed great pleasure to officially open the BMRC and to receive it from IOM. Mr. Masoka highlighted that the project will assist migrants and potential migrants through provision of correct and accurate information on migration issues and thus helping them make informed decisions.
To ensure smooth running of the project, IOM procured office and IT equipment including provision of internet connectivity at the centre. A Migrant Resource Centre website was also developed to provide services to both primary and secondary beneficiaries.
The Beitbridge Migrant resource Centre the first of its kind within Zimbabwe and the Southern African region and comes into operation during a period when the region in general and Zimbabwe in particular is faced with challenges of mixed migration flows. It is hoped that the project will go a long way in assisting the Government to better manage migration.
The Beitbridge Migrant Resource centre is situated within Beitbridge’s Dulibadzimu high density suburbs and is close to the long distance transport hub were most migrants pass through on their journeys to and from neighbouring countries. Beitbridge is the busiest inland port of entry within the Southern African region which sees a wide range of migrants passing through it.
The centre is providing a range of information and services to migrants and potential migrants to assist them to make informed decision about their migration plans. On site information dissemination through group discussion and Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials are being offered. Outreach campaigns in and around Beitbridge are done periodically.