Victoria Falls F1 circuit construction reaches major milestone

Ricky Zililo & Innocent Kurirwa, Sports Reporters
PLANS to construct a Grand Prix Circuit in the resort city of Victoria Falls have reached a major milestone, with experts taking to the simulator to review the track design.

Proposed Victoria Falls F1 circuit

The circuit, which is expected to add more glamour to the country’s premier resort city, has seen a number of international motorsport professionals taking to the circuit layout, including ex-Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 technical pundit Karun Chandhok, sharing the simulator track model with Karun, who did a number of laps on the simulator, and providing useful feedback even before actual construction begins.

Designs for the circuit, to be known as the Zambezi River International Circuit, were submitted to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for approval before actual work can begin.

It will be constructed 30km east of Victoria Falls along the Batoka Gorge close to the Zambezi River on a 500-hectare estate, and will be the only FIA Grade 1 circuit in Africa when completed.

The 5 416 metre-long F1 motor racing course is expected to attract the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA and owned by the F1 Group.

The main circuit will be 5.4km long with a 1.07km kart track and 1.2km drag strip, and is envisaged to host about four or five international motorsports a year.

In addition to the motorsport tracks, the circuit will also have 325m three storey pit garage that will also have conference facilities, a medical facility, theme-park, gorge coasters, cracking glass sky walkway and a live conservation theme park headlined by a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark.

The circuit has been designed by award winning RIBA Chartered UK firm, Driven International, in partnership with local engineers in accordance with FIA Grade 1 guidelines.

After driving on the virtual Victoria Falls circuit, Chandhok said: “The Zambezi River International Circuit has a great flow to it. Unlike a lot of recently built tracks that are quite stop-start, on this one you can put up a lap with a brilliant rhythm and speed to it.”

Dan Selby of Driven International, who steered the layout design review, said a beautiful setting deserves a beautiful track.

“So much excites me about this project; the setting, the natural topography, the expansion of motorsport in Africa.

The track design itself is a particularly unique layout, with some experimental corner geometry and we have maximised on the topographical opportunities through our design”, said Selby.

The facility will be powered by solar electricity and where possible, the undulating natural landscaping will be used as a spectator viewing area, ensuring much of the site’s rich beauty will not only remain intact, but be accentuated and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

If constructed, the circuit will boost sports tourism after Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) shelved plans to build a multi-purpose stadium in Victoria Falls in 2016 due to financial constraints.

ZC had received approval to build a 12 000-seater cricket stadium in the resort city in 2010.

In 2018, Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) announced that it had found an investor to help build a rugby stadium in Victoria Falls following the inauguration of the Kwese Sports sevens tournament that was planned to be staged in the country’s tourism capital until next year.

ZRU also approached the Victoria Falls City Council seeking permission to upgrade Chinotimba Stadium into a top-class venue as part of its aim to develop the game in the resort town and to attract international events and clubs.

However, none of ZRU’s wishes have borne fruit, leaving the Grand Prix Circuit as the only hope for Victoria Falls and the country to boost tourism through sport.

Source : Victoria Falls F1 circuit construction reaches major milestone (The Chronicle, 06/07/21)

Read more : Everything we know about Zimbabwe’s Formula 1 track (25/01/20)

New Vic Falls sporting facility a boom for sports tourism (28/01/20)

Victoria Falls town clerk reinstated

 A COMMISSION of inquiry set by Victoria Falls City Council to investigate allegations of corruption levelled against suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube has exonerated him, paving way for his reinstatement.

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Somveli Dlamini suspended Dube on April 28, 2021 accusing him of corruption, gross incompetence, abuse of office and causing the local authority to lose revenue.

The suspension was without pay and benefits.

Councillors revoked the suspension before Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo verbally suspended Dube on May 14, after Dube had appeared in court facing a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.

Dube is out on $50 000 bail.

Councillors were divided over the issue and recently set up a five-member commission of inquiry comprising three former councillors Vusumuzi Moyo, Million Moyo and Alderman Nkosilathi Jiyane who is the city’s former Mayor, Hwange Rural District Council chief executive Mr Phindile Ncube and lawyer Mr Elvis Mashindi.

The commission presented its findings to the council on Thursday where it stated that there was no wrongdoing by Dube.

The commission chaired by Ald Jiyane said the charges could have emanated from personal vendettas and lack of trust within council and recommended that the local authority should improve on its information handling and avoid having any random speaking for the organisation.

It said the council has a lot of work to do especially in policy making.

The council, the commission said, should have conducted a thorough internal investigation on the allegations before going public and would have ‘picked that there was no nexus between the allegations and Mr Dube’s conduct as a Town Clerk. Most of the stands were allocated before he commenced employment with the council.

“We are not a hearing body but a commission to gather facts on allegations. We dealt with issues that were availed to us as allegations and so we gathered information, checked on the stands in question through physical visits and documents and interviewed concerned parties.

We found no charges against the Town Clerk and we have forwarded recommendations to council and it’s up to them to take a decision.

“Further there is need for the council to have watertight public relations policy and guidelines. Leaking of confidential company business is the order of the day. There is need for council to have a one anchor person communicating council’s position to the outside world regarding its issues. We recommend that the council proceeds in terms of Section 139 (3) (b) of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15 in light of our findings. In future there is need for council to have internal dispute resolution mechanisms to safeguard taxpayers’ money,” read the recommendations.

The findings were that the stand number 1782, which was sold to Shearwater Explorers Village, that formed the basis of Dube’s arrest, was virgin land and the issue of putting it on tender does not arise as it was not zoned for commercial purposes.

The commission said due processes were followed and application for land was considered by the management committee on 7 February 2018, with a full council on 1 November 2018 resolving that the 1 ha stand be allocated to Shearwater at a price that was to be determined by land evaluators.

The said land was only accessible through Shearwater Explorers Village since there was no road to make it available to other takers hence there is no current infringement to other neighbouring properties if the extent is made available to any other developer.

The council immediately convened a special full council that recommended Dube’s reinstatement.

In a statement addressed to Local Government Minister July Moyo and copied to Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, Provincial Development Coordinator Mrs Sithandiwe Ncube and Deputy Mayor Cllr Patricia Mwale and Cllr Dlamini said Dube was reinstated with immediate effect.

“The special full council meeting held on 24 June 2021, resolved that following recommendation of the commission of inquiry it is clear that there is nothing that implicates you to the alleged offences. You are therefore reinstated with full pay and benefits with immediate effect,” said Cllr Dlamini.

Source: Victoria Falls town clerk reinstated (26/06/2021)

ZimParks Sues Army Company US$142 000 Over Unpaid Use Chalets

 ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has taken to court a company operated by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Rusununguko Nkululeko demanding US$142 530 for chalets leased to the latter in 2018.

ZimParks is also suing Landela Safaris for US$45 000 over a similar deal in which it leased View Point Site in Victoria Falls to the private company.

In summons filed separately by ZimParks at the High Court, the agreement between the national wildlife operator and Rusununguko was entered into in 2018.

In terms of the agreement, ZimParks granted a photographic lease agreement for chalets in the Zambezi National Park to the defendant.

The court application says in terms of the agreement, US$60 000 was for the right to lease the site and was payable in equal installments over the first five years of the lease starting in January 2018.

This was in addition to annual lease fees of US$35 000 payable from January 2018 to December 2021, and payable in advance before the first day of January each year.

It was also agreed all the amounts due each year were to attract interest at the rate of 12% per annum at the interbank market interest rates.

However, despite demand letters of demand from ZimParks, Rusununguko Nkululeko failed to pay the amount.

Meanwhile, regarding Landela Safaris, in 2018, the two parties entered into a written agreement in terms of which ZimParks granted the defendant the right to lease View Point Site in Victoria Falls for the purpose of photographic safari use.

“In terms of the agreement, Landela Safaris was bound to pay annual lease fees in the sum of US$45 000 starting from 2019, and payable or before the first of January each year.

All amounts due in each year were to attract interest at the rate of 12% with Value Added Tax (VAT) added to the above amounts due.

However, according to court papers, Landela Safaris failed to pay a total of US$154 800 to ZimParks as of January 2021.

“Wherefore the plaintiff claims judgment in the sum of US$154 800 payable in Zimbabwean dollars at the authorised prevailing rate of exchange in terms of the Exchange Control Act, holding over damages calculated at the rate of US$3 750 per month, interest on the capital sum of US$1 54 800 calculated at the rate of 12% per annum,” reads part of the lawsuit.

Both matters are yet to be heard.

Source: ZimParks Sues Army Company US$142 000 Over Unpaid Use Chalets (15/06/21)

Old Mutual to build four-star hotel in Victoria Falls

 Property giant, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, through its life assurance arm, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Zimbabwe (OMLAC), is set to construct a four-star hotel in Victoria Falls city, a Government minister revealed on Tuesday.

The deal comes as Government is working on a feasibility study for the development of bulk infrastructure in the resort city.

Victoria Falls has been designated as a Special Economic Zone, and the feasibility study will inform the viability of the proposed economic activities and infrastructure needs.

To finance and undertake the feasibility study, which will be conducted in the Masuwe Area of the Victoria Falls Economic Zone, OMLAC reportedly agreed to meet the costs amounting to US$430 948,29.

Briefing the media during a post Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa  said in exchange for the funding, Government will allocate the corporate giant 55 hectares of land under lease.

Once OMLAC recovers the cost of the feasibility study (US$430 948,29) it will then have to pay rentals for the land, Minister Mutsvangwa pointed out.

Old Mutual, which is already one of the country’s biggest property owners, is reportedly planning to construct “a four-star hotel with a 5 000-seater conference centre, a hospital facility, a golf course, and a shopping mall”.

Interestingly the latest development comes as Old Mutual is also involved in the construction of the Palm River Hotel in Victoria Falls.

Spencers Creek Pvt Ltd in partnership with Old Mutual Zimbabwe invested approximately US$24,6 million in land and construction of the 71-room four-star hotel, which is expected to commence operations this July.

Meanwhile, in another development earmarked for the resort city, Government also approved a joint venture between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Zambezi Crescent (Pvt) Ltd.

The two entities are in partnership for the revamping and upgrading of all of ZimParks’ lodges at Zambezi Camp to an agreed market-related status at a total cost of US$3 009 000.

This amount will be contributed by Zambezi Crescent (Pvt) Ltd while ZimParks will provide exclusive rights to the use of the lodges at the camp and their surroundings.

The project will be implemented as a joint venture over 25 years with the parties sharing profits on a 50/50 basis, according to Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said the joint venture is set to significantly improve the performance of the Zambezi Camp Lodges which are strategically located along the banks of the Zambezi, but have been performing poorly over the years. 

Source: Old Mutual to build four-star hotel in Victoria Falls (03/06/21)

Old Mutual, Govt strike Vic Falls land deal for new hotel project

 Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (OMLAC) has reached a land deal with the government that moves the company a step further in its plans to build a new hotel and conference centre in Victoria Falls.

Government will grant the company a lease on over 55 hectares of land in the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In exchange, OMLAC will undertake a US$430 948 feasibility study on the development of infrastructure in the Masuwe area of Victoria Falls.

Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company (MOTDC), an arm of the Ministry of Tourism, will represent government’s interests in the deal, Cabinet said on Tuesday.

“In lieu of payment for the feasibility study cost, MOTDC will grant OMLAC a lease over 55 hectares of land for construction of a 4-star hotel with a 5 000-seater conference centre, a hospital facility, a golf course, and a shopping mall on land to be allocated by Government. OMLAC will then have to pay rentals after recovery of the cost of the feasibility study,” Cabinet announced.

Old Mutual is already one of the country’s largest property owners; its portfolio comprises over 500 000 square metres of property. Among these are Westgate, Highglen, Chitungwiza Centre and Nkulumane Shopping Centre.

But with slow commercial growth in the big cities, Old Mutual is diversifying away from Harare and Bulawayo. The company has previously announced that it is looking to towns such as Victoria Falls and Ngezi, where new mining developments are planned.

ALSO READ: Anticipating platinum and tourism boom, Old Mutual buys property in Ngezi, Vic Falls

In its latest financial results for 2020, Old Mutual noted the sluggish pace of new property projects in the market.

“Property market performance largely tracked exchange rate movements, with underlying property valuations relying on inputs based in a stable currency. New investments in capital projects were lower than expected reflecting the effect of both the economy’s inability to foster enough confidence to attract long term capital at the right scale and COVID19-induced limitations,” chairman Kumbirai Katsande says.

In 2019, Masuwe was one of five special economic zones demarcated by government. It measures 1 200 hectares, onto which the Ministry of Tourism plans to attract new developers.

Separately, ZimParks has reached a US$3 million deal with Zambezi Crescent to upgrade its lodges at Zambezi Camp in Victoria Falls.

“This amount will be contributed by the investor, while ZimParks will provide exclusive rights to the use of the lodges at the camp and their surroundings. The project will be implemented as a joint venture over 25 years with the parties sharing profits on a 50/50 basis,” Cabinet says.

ZimParks has dozens of lodges across the country in its national parks, but many lack modern facilities due to years of under-investment. The Parks authority’s facilities are popular with budget travelers, but the deal with Zambezi Crescent may see the refurbished facilities at Zambezi Camp catering more for the premium market.

Zambezi Crescent, owned by Mark and Amanda Bosch, runs two properties in Victoria Falls; the River Lodge Luxury Tented Suites and the Victoria Falls River Lodge. Both are exclusive properties targeted at the high-end tourist market.

Source: Old Mutual, Govt strike Vic Falls land deal for new hotel project (01/06/21)

Zimbabwe: Govt Identifies Land for New Batoka City

By Leonard Ncube

Victoria Falls Reporter

THE GOVERNMENT has identified land where a new city will be built as part of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric project outside Victoria Falls, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development Engineer Gloria Magombo has said.

The coming in of Batoka City will be a major milestone and fits well with the broader Matabeleland North development, which has in the recent past become an economic epicenter in the country following designation of Victoria Falls as a Special Economic Zone, and eventual conferment of city status to the municipality.

Zimbabwe and Zambia are implementing the US$4 billion hydropower project in the gorges along Zambezi River where two 1 200MW power plants on either side of the river, a substation, transmission as well as a new settlement and road infrastructure, will be built.

Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) jointly owned by the two governments is the implementing agent and in 2019 chose General Electric and Power Corporation of China to build the power plant, about 50km downstream from Victoria Falls City.

A steering council of ministers comprising Ministries of Finance and Energy from both countries was set up to spearhead the project, which was first planned in 1992 but was delayed by an impasse over colonial era debts and community resistance.

Work had been scheduled to start in 2020 but was delayed because of the adverse effects of coronavirus.

However, public consultations on the environmental disclosure have been completed and inputs submitted to the relevant authority and work is underway to start pre-construction work for the new Batoka City, a key component of the Government's drive to steer development in Matabeleland North, particularly the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga corridor.

Communities around the Batoka project finally agreed to the project after extensive consultation by ZRA and both governments. About 4 000 direct plus 6 000 indirect jobs are set to be created.

Eng Magombo said the land has been secured and authorities from Hwange Rural District Council, Zimbabwe Power Company and Ministry of Local Government and Public Works are on the ground making preparatory work.

She, however, could not reveal the exact location of the land and its size.

"There is a lot of work that is being done in terms of the environmental disclosure after the finalization of the Environmental Impact Assessment," she said. "Consultations were done during the Covid-19 lockdown period and all the input from various stakeholders has been received.

"But there is also the issue of land for the project as you are aware last year Zimbabwe did approve the cession of the land but the land is now available.

"ZPC together with Hwange RDC and Local Government Ministry are looking at coming up with a plan in terms of how the whole city will then be planned and there is a lot of work, which is already going on into that part of the programme," said Eng Magombo.

She said over and above other developments, there has been appointment of various advisers with the African Legal Support providing some of the advice on evaluation of documents, which have been submitted by the contractor.

The two governments have also appointed a technical advisor in an effort to ensure that there are no grey areas.

"There is a lot of work going on in terms of finalizing preparation and structuring of the project, which is being done between ZRA as the main coordinator and implementing agent of both governments and steering committee comprising both ministries of energy and finance and we believe that in the next quarter we will be announcing when the ground-breaking and other milestones will be achieved," she said.

Batoka Dam wall will be 175m high after it was reduced as a result of concerns by tour operators particularly rafting companies in Victoria Falls that water backflow would hurt their operations.

The power plant is expected to take about five years to complete but electricity generation should start in the third year.

The Second Republic is focused on driving robust economic transformation of the province through unlocking its vast investment potential so that it contributes more to the mainstream economy.

Several projects, which had been in limbo have been reactivated and in various stages of completion. Among these are the giant Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, Hwange Power Station' units 7 and 8 expansion, Lupane Provincial Hospital and Elitsheni Government Complex.

The Second Republic has also moved swiftly to operationalize the Victoria Falls SEZ and established the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, capping the city as a financial and tourism hub of Zimbabwe.

The establishment of Batoka City, together with the planned Masue City near Victoria Falls will buttress the combined development of Matabeleland North as a key component for transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

Read the original article on The Herald. (07/05/21)

 

Radisson Hotel Group announces its arrival at Victoria Falls, an UNESCO world heritage site

 The hotel will be constructed and operated with the greatest respect to its close proximity of the natural wonders and aims to obtain the EDGE green building certification as well sign the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge, becoming a best practice in the implementation of Radisson Hotel Group’s leading Responsible Business program.

Radisson Hotel Group announce its first resort and third hotel in Zambia, with the signing of Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, Livingstone, Zambia. Due to open by the end of 2022, this new addition places the Group firmly on track to achieving its objective of reaching 150 hotels in operation and under development in Africa by 2025.

Nestled on the banks of one of Africa’s longest rivers, the Zambezi, in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, 5km south of the historic city of Livingstone, just 4km north west of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and an UNESCO world heritage site. Convenience is amplified with Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport located just 15 minutes away.

For an immersive experience of the destination, situated right next door, is Safari Par Excellence, offering unique on and off the river adventure activities, from Victoria Falls bridge activities, water-rafting, canoeing and game drives to helicopter rides, river cruises and elephant encounters.

The hotel will be constructed and operated with the greatest respect to its close proximity of the natural wonders and aims to obtain the EDGE green building certification as well sign the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge, becoming a best practice in the implementation of Radisson Hotel Group’s leading Responsible Business program.

The construction of the new hotel which is currently underway, and the design fully integrate local materials and focuses on employing and upskilling local craftspeople. It will consist of a contemporary 174-room main hotel and 26 luxurious villas. Guests can indulge in their favourite cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant and sit back with their favourite drink at the coffee bar. To bask in the fresh African evening air in comfort, guests can gather around the outdoor boma and firepit. During their stay, guests can also enjoy the hotel’s expansive swimming pool, find serenity at the spa or maintain their health at the sports and fitness gym. Ideal for all occasions, the hotel’s meetings and events facilities will include a ballroom of over 500sqm, boardrooms as well as meeting rooms, perfect for leisure and business use.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President Development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We have been present in Zambia for many years and have long recognized the potential of the country. It was essential for us to complement our presence in Zambia with a resort offering in one of Africa’s most visited leisure tourism destinations – the Victoria Falls. This marks our third hotel in the country, complementing our existing portfolio of one hotel in operation, Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, and the under-development Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres, due to open early next year. Through this unique resort, we look forward to demonstrating our strong Responsible Business heritage and sustainable programmes and initiatives which will further promote the destination and ensure the preservation of this unique reserve and location. We are truly proud to have partnered with NAPSA for the launch of the Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, Livingstone as we further seek to reinforce our collaboration in promoting tourism across Zambia.”

Mr. Yollard Kachinda, Director General  of NAPSA, the owning company said: “It is an honour to be partnering with Radisson Hotel Group, a company that believes in thriving, sustainable, and responsible business that supports people, communities and the planet with various procedures and programs to build better futures. We are proud to be associated with the creation of several jobs, both directly and indirectly. It is also satisfying to note that most of the materials are locally sourced, such as steel coming from Kafue Steel, timber coming from Zambezi Sawmills and other materials such as quarry and stones also being sourced within the community. We are looking forward to introducing this unique resort to the market and are confident that the various sustainable elements of the hotel will uplift the community and enhance the overall experience of this beautiful destination and its economy.”

Radisson Hotel Group operates to high standards of performance and advocates socially and environmentally sustainable business practices. More than ever, Radisson Hotel Group’s highest priorities remain the health and safety of its guests and employees. The Group partnered with SGS, the world’s leading inspection and certification company, to implement the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol, which ensures the highest hygiene standards and strengthens the Group’s existing rigorous sanitation guidelines. In the run-up to the opening of Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, Livingstone, Zambia will implement the Radisson Hotel Group brand standards including the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol related to safety and security.

Source: Radisson Hotel Group announces its arrival at Victoria Falls, an UNESCO world heritage site (20/04/21)