City of Victoria Falls finalising master plan ahead of June deadline

Story by Tichaona Kurewa, ZBC News

THE City of Victoria Falls has made significant progress in crafting a master plan ahead of the 30 June deadline to restore sanity in local authorities.

A master plan being developed through support from the International Finance Corporation will act as the blueprint for achieving this vision by addressing key issues like infrastructure development, responsible tourism practices, environmental protection, and community engagement.

City of Victoria Falls, Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said, “We have started all the preliminary works, field studies and so forth, we are done with that. Currently, the consultant is working on our report of a study which should be presented to the council in a week or so.

“We are going to meet the end of June deadline. The master plan is important as it is the long-term planning document, which deals with zoning issues, land uses and many other issues related to how we use our land so that we come up with development that is well structured.”

Experts outlined the importance of the master plan.

A lawyer, Mr Tonderai Mutasa said, “The story does not end with the development of master plans by the local authority, it ends with the adherence to the master plan. Only compelling reasons must alter land use if there is to be order in local authorities. Once the master plan is followed, we will not have problems like illegal settlements within local authorities.”

“It is important for local authorities to have master plans to have proper and orderly development. All towns should have master plans to avoid haphazard development or unplanned settlements within the town. Without master plans, there will be sprouting of ugly settlements that will also be good grounds for diseases like cholera, etc,” said the former Mayor of Victoria Falls City, Alderman Nkosilathi Jiyane.

The Victoria Falls Master Plan presents a unique opportunity to unlock the full potential of the resort city in terms of tourism and other economic activities.

 Source:  City of Victoria Falls finalising master plan ahead of June deadline (20/02/24)