(BBC World Service, 11 August 2026)
The Victoria falls,
on the border of
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The programme was broadcast in the UK on 11th August 2026 on BBC Radio 4 as part of the series 'Crossing Continents' series -
Read more on the issues highlighted in the programme on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild webiste.
GOVERNMENT and the private sector yesterday sealed a US$66,9 million Commercial Joint Venture Agreement to unlock high-value tourism development in Victoria Falls, in a major investment push expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in the lucrative regional and global tourism market.
The landmark agreement, signed in Harare yesterday following Cabinet’s approval of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in April 2026, marks one of Zimbabwe’s most significant tourism infrastructure investments in recent years and signals growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism sector.
The agreement brings together Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (MOTDC) Private Limited, the development company under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and Victoria Seven Investments (Private) Limited, under the J.R. Goddard Consortium, to develop bulk infrastructure at Lot 1 of the 271-hectare Jafuta Estate in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone.
More than a conventional infrastructure project, the development represents the creation of a new integrated tourism precinct designed to redefine Victoria Falls’ visitor experience, while opening vast opportunities for domestic and international investors.
The US$66,9 million investment is expected to provide essential bulk infrastructure, including water and sewer reticulation, electricity distribution and telecommunications networks – the critical backbone required to unlock a pipeline of premium tourism and commercial developments.
Once completed, the serviced estate will accommodate luxury hotels, boutique lodges, villas, chalets, holiday homes, a championship golf estate, commercial and financial centres, medical facilities, a Tourism Academy and the under-construction International Multi-purpose Cricket Stadium, creating a diversified tourism ecosystem that extends Victoria Falls’ appeal beyond its iconic natural attractions.
Industry observers say the project reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic shift from destination marketing alone to destination development, where modern infrastructure becomes the catalyst for sustainable tourism investment and long-term economic growth.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the landmark investment directly supports President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.
“The landmark development advances President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income society and aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 through sustainable tourism investment,” said the ministry in an update after the signing of the agreement.
Officiating at the signing ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, Deputy Minister Honourable Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa was quoted as saying the agreement was a game-changing milestone for Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.
He described the development as a transformative investment that positions tourism as a catalyst for infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation through Public-Private Partnerships.
“The complementary investments will create an integrated tourism ecosystem that enhances Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as a premier destination, while the signing marks the realisation of a vision conceived in 2012 for the Masuwe Special Economic Zone,” reads the ministry update.
The agreement also demonstrates the Government’s growing use of Public-Private Partnerships to accelerate strategic infrastructure development, while leveraging private capital to maximise the economic value of public assets.
Through the innovative model, the Government contributes land through Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company, enabling investors to channel capital into infrastructure and tourism facilities that generate long-term economic returns.
“Through Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company, the Government is leveraging land equity to unlock private sector investment that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism infrastructure and investment landscape, elevate tourist experiences, stimulate inclusive economic growth and further position Victoria Falls as a leading high-value tourism and investment destination,” said the ministry.
Beyond the immediate infrastructure works, the project is expected to trigger substantial secondary investments across hospitality, real estate, retail, transport, financial services and recreation, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening linkages with local suppliers and communities.
The development also reinforces Victoria Falls’ evolution from a destination renowned solely for its natural wonder into a globally competitive tourism, sports, conference and investment hub, capable of attracting high-spending visitors and international investors.
With premium accommodation, sporting facilities, commercial services and specialised tourism infrastructure planned within one integrated precinct, the Masuwe Special Economic Zone is set to become a flagship model of sustainable tourism development in Southern Africa.
It is expected to further enhance Zimbabwe’s standing as an investment destination and position tourism as a powerful engine for inclusive economic transformation.
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised that tourism should be private sector-driven, community-owned, and Government-facilitated, with strategic investments such as the Masuwe Special Economic Zone expected to generate employment, attract foreign direct investment, and accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030.
Under the joint venture agreement, MOTDC will contribute 271,5 hectares of land valued at US$25,6 million as equity in kind, while the JR Goddard Consortium will invest US$66,9 million towards infrastructure development.
The shareholding structure gives MOTDC a 39 percent stake and the consortium 61 percent, with a 25-year profit recoupment period.
Source: Victoria Falls seals milestone US$66,9m tourism development deal (05/08/2026)
Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 15th July 2026
The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site has been added to the list of Sites to be discussed by the World Heritage Committee at the forthcoming 48th session of World Heritage Committee, to be held at Busan, Republic of Korea over 19th-29th July 2026.
Following publication of
the Draft Decision text to be presented to the Committee next week for adoption (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 9th July 2026), and 'third party' representations submitted to
Committee members on Monday morning, the Site was nominated by
"The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies open for discussion only state of conservation reports... where they propose to: Remove a site from the List of World Heritage in Danger, inscribe a site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, or Delete a site from the World Heritage List.
"World Heritage Committee members can also propose to open for discussion a state of conservation report initially foreseen for adoption without discussion." (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre 2026)
The nomination of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site for discussion by the Committee follows a growing list of conservation issues relating to increasing tourism development pressures, failures in State Party reporting and ongoing delays in the finalisation of a joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, January 2026).
The World Heritage Committee
has repeatedly warned over the cumulative impacts of tourism developments at
the
In April campaign group Keep Victoria Falls Wild called for a moratorium on all developments within and surrounding the Site until finalisation, and agreement by the World Heritage Committee, of a new joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, April 2026).
References
Keep Victoria Falls Wild (January 2026) Reaction and Response to 2025 State of Conservation Report and 2025-2030 Draft Joint Integrated Management Plan (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 0.6mb).
Keep Victoria Falls Wild (April 2026) Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 1.3mb).
Roberts, P (2026)
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2026) WHC/26/48.COM/INF.7.Rev (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website).
Keep
UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published ahead of 48th Session...
List of outstanding and unresolved issues grows as State Parties fail to respond to World Heritage Centre requests...
Committee yet again fails to address recent and proposed tourism developments within Site's 'No New Development' Zone...
Yet further delays to finalisation of new Joint Management Plan - five years and counting to develop draft a management plan covering a five year period.
UNESCO have released the draft papers and reports to be considered by the World Heritage Committee at its forthcoming 48th session, to be held at Busan, Republic of Korea over 19th-29th July 2026. The documents are available to download from the UNESCO website here.
The World Heritage Centre's overview and the Committee's draft Decision text relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is published within document WHC/26/48.COM/7B.Add (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 2026), and presented below in full for ease of reference.
The Committee is due to
consider its response to the latest State of
Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort Development (Zambia)
Under 'Current Conservation Issues' the text highlights lack of clarification of the status of mitigation measures, originally requested in 2024, relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort development in Zambia, constructed in 2021/2 "without fully meeting all the approval conditions set out in the Zambian Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA) Decision Letter" and currently managed as the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort.
"While it is reported that the completed
construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort Hotel does not adversely
affect the OUV of the property, the 2022 Reactive Monitoring mission identified
numerous shortfalls and non-compliance with the World Heritage status of the
property, including differing interpretations of zoning terms. Given that the
project has already been completed, and in light of the concerns raised by the
mission and in previous Committee Decisions, the information provided by the
State Party does not demonstrate whether the mitigation measures previously
reported are being implemented to adequately address negative impacts on the
property’s OUV. The development of a comprehensive Environmental and Social
Management Plan (ESMP), as recommended in the 2022 reactive monitoring mission,
and already mentioned in the report submitted by the States Parties in February
2024, is even more urgent to ensure that the mitigation and monitoring
initiatives put in place also consider the visual integrity and cumulative
effects of the project. In addition, the reported review of the 2007 Zonation
Scheme should be expedited to clarify the inconsistencies and refine the
associated permissible-use thresholds."
In summary this issue has not been progressed, by either the World Heritage Centre or the State Party, since the Committee's 2024 decision and request for mitigation measures. This development was pushed ahead without notification or disclosure to UNESCO during 2021, and continued despite requests from the World Heritage Centre to suspend development pending review of the proposals. A subsequent IUCN/UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission Report highlighted several significant issues of non-compliance with national planning approvals (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 2023a).
Baines Restaurant and Cataract Island Tours (Zimbabwe)
The text also notes no update has yet to be given in relation to the launch of tours to Cataract Island in 2022 and development of the Baines Restaurant over 2022/3. The Committee's belated draft reaction to these developments, following up on an unanswered request for further details from the World Heritage Centre on 14th March 2023 (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 2023b), is to merely state:
"Finally, no update was provided regarding the
third-party concerns related to permits for two commercial tourism developments
in highly sensitive zones of the property, notably
So nothing has been progressed on this key issue, by either party, since the sending of a letter by the World Heritage Committee in March 2023. Tours to Cataract Island were launched in 2021 without notification or disclosure to UNESCO, despite a previous request from the World Heritage Committee for a full EIA disclosure in 2017 in specific reference to this proposal (World Heritage Committee, 2017).
The area of the Baines development has been protected against development since 1904 with the formation of the Victoria Falls Park. It was declared a National Monument in 1937 in recognition of its cultural heritage significance and protected as a National Park in 1952 in recognition of its conservation and environmental importance. In the mid-1970s it was part of an area declared 'permanently protected' against all new development under the Victoria Falls Outline Plan, before being designated as a World Heritage Site in 1989. Under the 2007 and 2016 joint management plans the area was declared part of the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (HESZ) which prevents all new development. Yet despite all these protections the development was pushed ahead during 2022, without prior notification or disclosure to UNESCO and despite a legal challenge against its development in the Zimbabwean courts (still to be heard), and has been operational since 2023 (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, September 2023; June 2025; April 2026).
The EIA approval was granted on the basis of the false claim that the site of the development was within the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (MESZ) and a permissible development - when it is in fact in the High Ecologically Sensitive Zone which prevents all new development. Even if it was in the MESZ it would still not be a permissible development.
Critically, the 1975 'permanently protected' area has also not been fully disclosed to UNESCO within the joint management plans, leaving the World Heritage Committee in the dark over the protected area (Roberts, 2026).
Further Developments (Zimbabwe)
The text also indicates the World Heritage Centre sent the State Parties a letter in September 2024 requesting information relating to proposed tourism developments within the Site's 'no new development' zone (the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' or HESZ) - sadly not specified but believed to relate to the lease agreements, already signed with third parties, for the development of the proposed riverside 'tree lodges' and Kandahar Camp developments on the southern, Zimbabwean, side of the Falls. Not surprisingly, eighteen months later, the World Heritage Centre has not had any response to this request.
"In a letter dated 25 September 2024, the World Heritage Centre transmitted to the State Party of Zimbabwe, for comments, third-party information reporting the issuance of several commercial sites for tourism developments in contradiction to the existing JIMP within the property. No response has been received from the State Party at the time of writing this report."
So yet again, absolutely no progress on this issue since 2024.
Draft Decision Text
In its Draft Decision text the World Heritage Committee:
"4. Expresses serious concern that cumulative impacts from large-scale infrastructure and ever-increasing tourism development within the property, its buffer zone, and wider setting continue to pose a significant threat to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, a situation exacerbated, among other things, by the fact that several development projects, which the States Parties have indicated to be at the scoping stage, are currently underway, and invites the States Parties to provide further details on the reported development projects that are under consideration as soon as more information is available: ...
"6. Notes with regret that no update was provided regarding the third-party concerns related to permits for two commercial tourism developments in highly sensitive zones on the Zimbabwean component of the property, noting that information available online indicates that these developments have already commenced operation, expresses its deep concern about the potentially irreversible impacts of these projects on the integrity and the visual attributes of the property and urgently requests the States Parties to report on the monitoring and mitigation measures in place to ensure that the infrastructures do not negatively affect the OUV of the property;
"7. Also notes with regret that the construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort Hotel proceeded without fully meeting approval conditions at the national level and following the Committee’s request to halt further activities until the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) had been submitted and reviewed, and reiterates its requests to the States Parties to implement the 2022 Reactive monitoring mission recommendation to develop a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management plan, which the States Parties indicated in their 2024 report was already being developed, ensuring that the mitigation measures put in place take into account the visual integrity and cumulative effects of the project and address its negative impacts on the property’s OUV;
"8. Also reiterates its request to the States Parties to ensure that any project located within the property, its buffer zone, and wider setting with potential impacts on the OUV is subject to assessment through ESIA or HIA in conformity with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context and submitted for review prior to any decision; "
Joint Management Plan
Regarding the draft Joint Management Plan for the site, the text raises several specific concerns to be addressed in a revised draft, to be submitted as part of an 'interim report' by 1st February 2027, but which will not presumably be considered by the Committee until mid-2028.
"13. Finally requests the States Parties to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2027, an interim report including a copy of the updated JIMP, taking into consideration the comments outlined above, and by 1 December 2027, an updated report on the State of Conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 50th session."
The new five-year Joint Management Plan for the Site was originally due for submission by end of June 2024, with UNESCO agreeing an extension until June 2025 to allow 'finalisation' of the plan (World Heritage Committee, 2024). The new plan was subsequently submitted in December 2025, but with key sections missing (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, January 2026). It will now be at least mid-2028 before the 'final' version will be reviewed by the World Heritage Committee, meaning that it will have taken more than five years to develop a five year management plan.
Continued Failings
The State Party representatives on both sides of the river will no doubt yet again be patting each other on the back for successfully delaying any significant review of tourism developments at the Site by the Committee until 2028. The World Heritage Committee's current draft decision text actually undermines long-standing conservation protections preventing development.
The failure of the State Parties to respond to previous Committee requests for further information relating to the Baines Restaurant and Cataract Island tours, and failure of the Committee to previously react to these developments, despite full particulars being supplied by 'third-parties', mean that these operations will have been operational for several years before the World Heritage Committee has even officially acknowledged their existence. The Draft Decision text response to the State Parties failure to notify the Committee in advance of this development, the flawed EIA report and subsequent EIA approvals is to merely request "the States Parties to report on the monitoring and mitigation measures in place to ensure that the infrastructures do not negatively affect the OUV of the property" is totally inadequate.
The Draft Decision text as it currently stands is, considering the background the Baines Restaurant development and its location, a complete capitulation. The only mitigation measure which will ensure that the Baines Restaurant development does not negatively affect the OUV of the property, or more to the point infringe existing legal protections, is its total and absolute removal from the site. The Committee should, and indeed must, call for the upholding of these protections and for the development to be removed and the area fully restored to its natural aspect. Failure to comply should result in the Site being listed on the World Heritage Site List of Sites in Danger.
The Committee's continued
failure to fully address the issues relating to this and other tourism
developments, including the proposed 'tree
lodge' development, for which plans are well advanced (the development is
reportedly to be managed under InterContinental Hotel Group's exclusive 'Six
Senses' brand), at the current 48th Session risks legitimising inappropriate
developments which threaten the future World Heritage status of the Site.
Requesting mitigation measures on a completely illegitimate development, after
it has been constructed without notification to UNESCO is not an acceptable
compromise in this example, and is already proving totally ineffective in
relation to the Mosi-oa-Tunya
Resort development in
In failing to address and
progress these issues the World Heritage Committee is rapidly making itself a
significant part of the problem, and in turning a blind eye to these
developments is actually facilitating in the degradation of this Site, raising
serious questions and concerns over the whole 'World Heritage Site' system of
governance and overview in relation to natural heritage sites - with the
Victoria Falls rapidly becoming a prime case study example (Roberts, 2026).
- - -
Download the full draft text relating to Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in pdf format here.
- - -
References
Keep
Keep Victoria Falls Wild (June 2025) Special Report on the Riverine Fringe (pdf, 1.8mb)
Keep Victoria Falls Wild
(January 2026) Reaction and
Response to 2025 State of Conservation Report and 2025-2030 Draft Joint
Integrated Management Plan (pdf, 0.6mb)
Keep Victoria Falls Wild
(April 2026) Serious
Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (pdf,
1.3mb)
Roberts, P (2026)
State Parties (2025) 2025 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya State of Conservation Report/Joint Integrated Management Plan (pdf download [18.9 mb], opens in a new window)
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2023a) Final Joint Mission
Report Mosi-oa-Tunya, Victoria Falls (Zambia/ Zimbabwe) 9-13 February 2022 (pdf
download [3.3 mb], opens in a new window)
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2023b)
Conservation Issues, Analysis and Conclusions (45 COM 7B.10).
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2026) Item 7B of the Provisional Agenda: State of Conservation of properties inscribed on the of World Heritage List (WHC/26/48.COM/7B.Add). Draft Decision text relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
World Heritage Committee (2017) Decisions Adopted 41COM 7B.22, point 6.
World Heritage Committee
(2024) Decisions Adopted, 46COM 7B.60, point 5d.
Construction of the Victoria Falls Multipurpose Cricket Ground is gathering momentum, with residents and stakeholders expressing optimism that the facility will transform the city into a major sporting destination while creating new economic opportunities.
Once completed, the stadium is expected to play a significant role in boosting sports tourism and showcasing Zimbabwe on the global stage.
The facility is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year and is earmarked to host matches during the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.
Construction works have advanced significantly, with the main pitch already completed and other key infrastructure taking shape.
Progress has also been recorded on Grandstands A, B and C, media centres, players’ changing rooms, VIP pavilions, as well as anti-doping and medical facilities.
To support the smooth operation of the venue, a dedicated substation and an additional 500 000-litre water reservoir have also been installed.
Residents believe the project will elevate Victoria Falls’ profile beyond its traditional tourism appeal and position the city as a leading sports tourism hub.
“The completion of the Falls Multipurpose Cricket Ground will put Victoria Falls on the map as a major sporting destination” said Nokuthula Moyo, a resident.
“International matches and tournaments will market our city to a global audience and boost its profile beyond tourism.”
Community members also expect the facility to generate employment opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, transport, maintenance and event management.
“This facility will create employment opportunities for local people, from stadium operations and maintenance to hospitality and transport services. More events mean more income for families in our community,” another resident, Nickson Sibanda, said.
Others highlighted the potential for the stadium to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world, creating additional business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and local entrepreneurs.
“The cricket ground will attract sports tourists who may not have visited Victoria Falls otherwise. Visitors coming for matches will also explore the Falls, stay in hotels, dine in restaurants and support local businesses,” another community member, Geraldine Moyo, added.
Beyond economic benefits, residents believe the facility will inspire young people to participate in cricket and other sporting activities, creating a pathway for talent development.
Source: Cricket ground set to boost tourism (12 June 2026)
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) is actively seeking both local and international investors to participate in the development of Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate, a flagship project within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls. This ambitious initiative, owned by the Mosi oa Tunya Development Company, covers 271.5 hectares and was officially declared a Special Economic Zone on September 28, 2018, with the aim of establishing a world-class tourism and financial services hub.
(Keep Victoria Falls Wild, December 2024)
Victoria Falls City Council development 'masterplan' aims to annex conservation areas for development while claims of corruption raise concerns over process
In October 2024, following stakeholder consultations held in April (VFCC, April 2024), Victoria Falls City Council released details of the proposed new development 'masterplan' for the future expansion and growth of the urban settlement.
"The Victoria Falls City Council, hereby gives notice, in terms of subsection (2) of section 15 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 29: 12, as read with section 8 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning (Master and Local Plans) Regulations (RGN 248 of 1977), that the Draft Victoria Falls Master Plan has been Adopted and is now on public exhibition commencing 17th October 2024 and ending 16th December 2024." (VFCC, October 2024)
In November the Draft Plan and supporting documents and maps were made available to download online on the Council's website (VFCC, November 2024).
- Victoria Falls Master Plan - Draft Report of Study (April 2024)
- Victoria Falls Master Plan - Draft Written Statement (July 2024)
- Victoria Falls Master Plan - Main Map (Preferred Option)
- Victoria Falls Master Plan - Supporting Map (insert section)
In media reports Victoria Falls town planner, Ms Ntombizami Ncube, stated
"Our masterplan is now a public exhibition. We have already advertised two issues and we are waiting for the third issue... The masterplan will be on public exhibition for the next two months and we request all stakeholders to visit the Victoria Falls Town Planning offices or our website, all the documents are there for viewing. Issues that came out was the need to balance conservation of nature and development planning needs. We would want to expand, we don’t want to encroach into any restricted zones, especially the World Heritage Site, we are not touching." (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, November 2024)
The Draft Plan proposes to significantly expand the area controlled under the Council from just 22 square km to over 244 square km, including the Victoria Falls National Park and a section of the Zambezi National Park, the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, Nakavango Forest and Fuller Forest areas, all previously protected for conservation (see map below - click to download larger jpg file). The proposal includes the identification of some 12 square km of land protected under the Zambezi National Park for development as part of the Council controlled 'land grab'.
It is unclear why the expanded Council controlled area is proposed to cover the Victoria Falls National Park and a significant section of the Zambezi National Park, beyond that identified for development, and the supporting Plan documents make no reference to this significant expansion into National Park protected areas. These two National Parks are currently under the exclusive responsibility of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority. It is also unclear why such a substantial area of Forestry controlled land to the south of the City is proposed to be included within the new expanded Council controlled area.
The plan offers no trade-off for the loss of the previously protected area of the Zambezi National Park to development expansion. We believe consideration should be given of returning the northern un-developed half of the existing Council controlled area (outlined in white, below) to National Park control, with the tourism concessions within this area also to be transferred to the management of the Park Authority. This area is an important wildlife corridor allowing access to the river above the Falls for elephant, buffalo and other species and was, until the mid-1970s protected as part of the greater Victoria Falls National Park. It is also essential to the integrity of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site which covers the river corridor above and below the Falls. No new development, or expansion of existing developments, should be allowed in this area and the long term aim should be to return as much of this area to nature as possible.
The Plan presents no forecasts or modelling estimates of the projected growth in tourism capacity, which will see increasing peak-season tourist visitor pressures at the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, while the strong seasonality of tourism to the Falls will see hotels and lodges empty for half the year and promised employment opportunities limited to short-term seasonal contracts.
Meanwhile the claims of corruption which surround Victoria Falls Town Clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube, and who has overseen the development of the Plan, raise serious doubts over the integrity of the Master Plan process (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, December 2024a). The apparent extension of his term of office beyond the maximum two four-year periods is un-procedural and raises yet further questions (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, June 2024), as does his reinstatement by a Government Minister following his suspension pending investigation into the significant and serious corruption claims (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, December 2024b).
.jpg "Map showing proposed expansion of Victoria Falls City Council controlled area")
.jpg "Map showing proposed enlarged section of central Victoria Falls City Council controlled area")
References
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (June 2024) Pushback as Victoria Falls council boss clings to power. 15th June.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (November 2024) Victoria Falls masterplan open to scrutiny.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (December 2024a) Corruption and abuse of office: Victoria Falls Town Clerk and 2024 CEO of the year suspended. 5th December.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (December 2024b) Government reverses ‘unprocedural suspension’ of Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube. 8th December.
Victoria Falls City Council (April 2024) City Master Plan: Shaping the Future of Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls City Council (October 2024) Notice of Draft Master Plan on Public Exhibition.
VICTORIA Falls City Council has completed the crafting of a new masterplan and opened it for scrutiny with priority being put on balancing conservation and infrastructure development.
The move buttresses President Mnangagwa’s launch of the “Call to Action — No Compromise to Service Delivery” blueprint, which provides guidelines for local authorities to ensure they provide efficient services that are in line with Vision 2030.
In the “Call to Action,” the President chairs a bi-annual review meeting to assess the performance of all local authorities in a move aimed at improving service delivery in towns and cities.
All local authorities are now obliged to adhere to a stipulated minimum threshold of service delivery before the approval of their budgets.
According to the blueprint, the quality of service provision by local authorities should be in line with an upper-middle-income economy.
Most local authorities have been operating without masterplans while those that have, were reportedly using outdated local plans.
Victoria Falls City Council also successfully finished drafting its 2025 budget, which was presented to the full council recently as the local authority strives to meet deadlines and targets set by the Government.
Speaking to journalists, Victoria Falls town planner, Ms Ntombizami Ncube, said the guiding document was now open to public scrutiny.
“Our masterplan is now a public exhibition. We have already advertised two issues and we are waiting for the third issue,” she said.
“We started last year and managed to meet the deadline of June 30. It was submitted to the Department of Spatial Planning for review and put on public exhibition.
“The masterplan will be on public exhibition for the next two months and we request all stakeholders to visit the Victoria Falls Town Planning offices or our website, all the documents are there for viewing.
“Issues that came out was the need to balance conservation of nature and development planning needs. We would want to expand, we don’t want to encroach into any restricted zones, especially the World Heritage Site, we are not touching,” she said.
Victoria Falls City is surrounded by Chamabondo National Park, Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls National Park, which is home to the Mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.
The city was declared a Unesco World Heritage site and should be maintained in its pristine state with no disturbance to the natural environment, emphasising harmony between nature and humans.
Tourism, backed by wildlife and the environment is the cornerstone of Victoria Falls’ economy. Ms Ncube said after the display period and objections on the masterplan, a summary will be compiled and a report on the recommendations of the local authority prepared. These will be sent to the Ministry of Local Government, which will review the document for approval.
“The minister will approve and it will go on display for six weeks and during that period only issues that deal with issues of law will be dealt with. If it is felt that the document was done ultra vires then the issues will be dealt with,” said Ms Ncube.
Victoria Falls town clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube, said the local authority tried to do its processes timeously to maintain good governance.
“We are on time in terms of meeting the deadline. Technically, we can say our masterplan has been completed and this means we are a compliant local authority, particularly regarding the direction and instruction guidance, which we get from our parent ministry because when you look at the masterplan, it speaks to the ‘Call of Action’ and no compromise to service delivery as espoused by President Mnangagwa,” he said. — @ncubeleon
Source: Victoria Falls masterplan open to scrutiny (05/11/24)
