Zimbabwe forced to deny comical pothole photo was shot along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road

HARARE – The government was on Monday forced to deny claims a viral image of three people believed to be tourists posing for a photo while sitting inside a huge pothole was taken along the heavily damaged Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway.

The road, which links the rest of the country to the iconic Victoria Falls, has seen years of neglect by government leading to huge craters developing on the tired infrastructure.

Calls to have the road restored to its former usable state have seemed to go unheeded by authorities who have taken their time to make the necessary repairs.

Perhaps to illustrate the extent of the damage, three cheeky tourists took an amusing image while seated snugly inside a giant crater, forcing an embarrassed government into denial after the image went viral on social media.

In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development denied the image was taken along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway.

“It has come to our attention that a social media post is circulating, showing 3 people posing in a pothole on a road claimed to be part of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway,” said the ministry.

“While we acknowledge that certain sections of the highway are in dire need of rehabilitation, the images in the post do not correspond to any section of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway.

“The sections requiring urgent attention are currently being addressed through a collaborative effort between the Department of Roads and Bitumen World. Work is already underway, with teams camped in Hwange, Halfway, and Insiza to ensure the road is rehabilitated efficiently.”

The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road also links the rest of the country to the touristy Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s biggest wildlife habitat.

It is regarded a major source of wealth for a country heavily dependent on tourism.

Source: Zimbabwe forced to deny comical pothole photo was shot along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road (11/03/25). 

Victoria Falls signs US$1,6m land servicing deal

 THE City of Victoria Falls has signed a US$1,6 million agreement with Integrated Construction Projects (ICP) to service commercial land in the central business district, a move expected to enhance the city’s urban landscape. The project will cover BB5, a prime area with 90 commercial stands along Livingstone Way behind Sawanga Mall and the Railway Loop, which has 20 stands behind Shearwater Village. Town clerk Ronnie Dube and ICP director Tawanda Muchineripi signed the agreement on Friday last week at council offices.

The project, which includes the construction of water, sewer, stormwater systems and roads is expected to begin with immediate effect. Council will fully fund the project, with ICP pledging to complete the work in a record six months.“As the responsible authority, it is fair that we develop that area so that it gives a good ambiance for our city and benefits the people who were allocated,” Dube said.

“Hence, we advertised the tender for the works to be done and ICP won the tender for US$1,6 million, which we are going to fund using our resources.”He called on land beneficiaries under the BB5 scheme to clear any outstanding payments to assist council in financing the project.

“We urge residents, who owe council anything related to BB5, to own up so that it will also assist us,” he said. ICP worked on other projects in Victoria Falls, including the BB7 residential area and the construction of a water reservoir. 

Muchineripi expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious six-month deadline. “The contract period is 12 months, but we envisage and we will endeavour to finish within six months, which will be record time,” he said.“We are sure of the support of council and with the support of all the residents we will be able to achieve this.”The development is expected to boost commercial activity in Victoria Falls by providing fully serviced stands for business investors.

Source: Victoria Falls signs US$1,6m land servicing deal (10 March 2025)

New Mecca of Zimbabwe Cricket takes shape

 ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, has announced significant progress at the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, situated in the resort city of Victoria Falls. The foundation stone for the multi-purpose 10 000-seater stadium was laid in May last year, and Makoni told Saturday Chronicle that most of the groundwork has been completed. The stadium is set to be finished in time for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.

Makoni reported that substantial progress has been made in earthworks, with the field levelled and centre and nets wickets planted.

“We have made significant progress in terms of earthwork. Levelling the ground has been done to ensure that the outfield maintains the same levels. We have also planted wickets on the main pitch and for practice. We have also done the 30 yards for the main pitch. Right now, we are working on the grass embankment, and then the main building structures will follow soon after. We have also secured the area with an electric fence. So, we have really made some significant progress, and everything is well on course and up to plan,” said Makoni.

In addition to the 2027 World Cup, Zimbabwe will co-host the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup with Namibia. Makoni stated that the new ground, touted as the “New Mecca” of Zimbabwean cricket, is primarily earmarked for the 2027 global showpiece.

“The Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium is earmarked mainly for the 2027 World Cup. Maybe there might be some practice sessions held there for the Under-19 World Cup, but the target is 2027. We are confident that we will meet that target,” Makoni said.

ZC was awarded 10 hectares within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone for the construction of the stadium. Located in a coveted tourist destination, the stadium is set to eclipse the conventional cricketing hub — Harare Sports Club — with the magnetic charm and splendour of Victoria Falls. The stadium is expected to be a visual delight, a sterling addition not only to Zimbabwe but to the international cricket community. Moreover, it is anticipated to be a significant boon for the nation’s sports tourism sector.

Makoni highlighted that the stadium would also benefit the local community, having a substantial tourism impact. Apart from Victoria Falls, he revealed plans to ensure that every province in the country gets a first-class international facility to spread and develop the game in all corners of the country.

“Our main objective is to make sure that cricket is the number one sport in the country. The stadium in Victoria Falls is huge for tourism; there is a footprint there. Apart from that, we have also earmarked land in Dangamvura in Mutare and in Gweru to develop first-class venues. We also have the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy being built in Matabeleland South in Esigodini. We are on point in trying to decentralise and spread the game across the country,” he said.

Makoni further said that part of their decentralisation effort is to ensure that everyone gets the chance to play cricket, as it is a game that can change lives.

“We want everyone to play cricket. We want the majority, from all backgrounds, to be able to play cricket. Cricket makes a difference; look at the likes of Tatenda Taibu, Chris Mpofu, and Hamilton Masakadza, for example. We want kids all over, down in remote areas, to play cricket; that’s our main target. We want disadvantaged kids to play cricket. There is nothing special about this game; it’s a game for everyone, and for all,” said Makoni.

The 2027 Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October/November. Meanwhile, the 2027 World Cup co-hosts, Namibia, have also made significant progress with their FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, situated in Windhoek. The 7 000-seater state-of-the-art facility is nearing completion and will be the first venue in Namibia to host any World Cup game.

“The journey to developing Namibia’s new international cricket stadium has been a meticulously planned process, aligning with our vision of positioning the country as a top-tier Associate Member. Having a world-class cricket venue is a milestone that solidifies Namibia’s status as a leading Associate Member. It signifies our commitment to long-term cricketing excellence, not only in on-field performance but in administrative and infrastructural development. This stadium will serve as a beacon for cricket in Africa, ensuring Namibia remains a host nation for top-tier ICC events and a key player in global cricket discussions,” said Cricket Namibia CEO, Johan Muller.

Source: New Mecca of Zimbabwe Cricket takes shape (08/03/25)

Victoria Falls named as Ramsar World Wetland City

Victoria Falls has been named among 31 cities across the world as a 'Ramsar wetland city.' The listing, made under the Ramsar International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, highlights the vital role that wetlands play in supporting vital ecosystem functions for people and wildlife.

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme encourages cities in close proximity to and dependent on wetlands - especially those designated Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance - to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local people.

Zimbabwe ratified the Ramsar Convention in 2012 and has since designated seven sites as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites), including Victoria Falls, Driefontein Grasslands, Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools, Lake Chivero, Monavale Vlei, Chinhoyi Caves and Cleveland Dam. The announcement was made in advance of World Wetlands Day 2025, 2 February, under the theme: 'Protecting Wetlands For Our Common Future.'

"Wetlands are critical for our country's well-being, providing essential services such as flood control, climate regulation, and supporting local livelihoods," said Angella Kabira, the Principal Natural Resources Officer in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

A recent survey conducted by the Environmental Management Authority found that over half of Zimbabwe's wetlands are considerably degraded and 26 percent are seriously deteriorated, while only 17 percent are in perfect condition.

Victoria Falls will host the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (Cop15) to the Ramsar Convention on wetlands in Victoria Falls from 23-31 July 2025. The event will focus global attention on Zimbabwe's management of the Victoria Falls and recent unsuitable tourism developments within the Victoria Falls National Park, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"As we host this global event, we are committed to showcasing our progress and collaborating with international partners to further strengthen wetland management," added Phanuel Mangisi the Ramsar Convention-National focal person and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Manager at the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

Victoria Falls former Mayor Somveli Dhlamini loses appeal against conviction, sentence

 FORMER Victoria Falls Mayor Somveli Dhlamini’s appeal to overturn his conviction and sentence for fraud has been dismissed by the High Court.

Dhlamini was sentenced to 30 months in prison by the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court in October 2023 for defrauding the Victoria Falls Town Council of US$15 000.

He sought to have his conviction quashed, arguing that it was excessively harsh and induced a “sense of shock”.

In his appeal, Dhlamini argued that the council suffered no significant prejudice and a fine of US$500 would have been a more appropriate punishment.

The High Court, however, upheld the lower court’s decision, with Justice Munamato Mutevedzi ruling that both the conviction and sentence were appropriate.

“There is, in our considered view, nothing that induces a sense of shock with the sentence imposed,” Justice Mutevedzi said.

“If anything, what is shocking is the leniency.”

Between August 1 and 6, 2022, Dhlamini fraudulently applied for a residential stand under the Wood Road Residential Scheme using the name of Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko, a close family friend.

Despite knowing that he was ineligible for the scheme, Dhlamini manipulated the process to secure stand number 1771 Wood Road in Victoria Falls.

As a result, the council suffered a direct loss of US$15 000 and faced a potential prejudice of US$66 462.75.

Source: Victoria Falls former Mayor Somveli Dhlamini loses appeal against conviction, sentence (22/01/25)

Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has entered a new era following yesterday’s appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new director-general.

He succeeds Dr Fulton Mangwanya who was recently appointed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director-general.

At the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Prof Gandiwa expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead ZimParks.

“I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility,” he said.

“It is difficult to fill the void left by such a unique leader, but as we look ahead, we are motivated by his commitment to conservation and his legacy of hard work.”

Dr Mangwanya expressed heartfelt gratitude for his tenure at ZimParks.

He emphasised the broader significance of wildlife conservation, saying ZimParks’ mission extends beyond mere protection, to contributing to sustainable development goals, including poverty eradication.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as director-general alongside you all,” said Dr Mangwanya.

“Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans.”

Mr Edward Samuriwo, Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, highlighted the historic nature of this transition.

“This handover is a milestone for ZimParks,” he noted, emphasising Dr Mangwanya’s lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s conservation landscape.

Mrs Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, expressed her unwavering support for Prof Gandiwa.

Source: Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss (15/01/25)

Construction of Vic Falls multi-purpose cricket stadium on course

 Construction of the multi-purpose Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is progressing well, with significant ground having been covered in terms of earthworks and pitch development.

The facility is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)’s ambitious infrastructure development plan.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwe is preparing to co-host the 2026 under-19 Cricket World Cup alongside Namibia and the 2027 men’s Cricket World Cup with South Africa and Namibia.

The project is on track, with 50% of the main pitch having been constructed.

“We have made significant progress in the earthworks. We’ve levelled Pitch A, the main pitch, and the practice pitch. Planting has commenced on the main square, including the wicket and the 30-yard area. The good news is this planting coincides with the rains. I’m told there’s been good rainfall in Victoria Falls, which is very encouraging. While the rains have temporarily slowed work on the practice pitch due to water logging, overall progress is substantial,” said managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, Givemore Makoni.

Construction of other facilities is expected to begin soon.

“Construction work on the media centres, players’ changing rooms, and grandstands is scheduled to begin in March this year. We are on course in terms of the field work and adhering to our phased plan. We are confident in meeting all our deadlines,” said Mr Makoni.

Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, a parastatal under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, is the main contractor.

Designed as a multi-purpose facility, the stadium will host cricket matches and other sporting events.
The cricket stadium, a flagship project within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls, is expected to boost tourism and economic growth.

Other major developments underway in the Masuwe SEZ include a convention centre with associated hotels and villas, a golf estate, a medical tourism facility, a commercial central business district, an international service centre, and high-end residential units.

Source: Construction of Vic Falls multi-purpose cricket stadium on course (15/01/25)