Victoria Falls’s Mkhosana residents left counting losses following heavy rains

Over 60 Mkhosana residents in Victoria Falls had their properties and houses destroyed by heavy rains that have battered the resort city in the past few weeks.  

According to ward 11 councillor Goshen Zhou who visited the affected families, property such as sofas, television sets, doors and kitchen appliances were destroyed.

“In my records, I managed to document over 60 households with families of four or so and all have been affected,” Zhou said.

The persistent rains that began in January, although have not claimed any life in the resort city, affected even those who live in makeshift homes in the Mfelandawonye area.

Among the affected is 56-year-old Nevanji Mudimba who lost most of his property.

“We were sitting in the lounge when my son saw rainwater getting in through the door and because of its sheer force it soon flooded the house and destroyed my property,” Mudimba narrated.

Zhou added that the local authority was not in a position to assist the affected families and appealed to the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to intervene.

“Council is not able to assist the people, so we hope that the government will and the Civil Protection Unit department has also been notified.”

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) press release of January 21, heavy rainfall has been affecting southern Zambia and neighbouring northern Zimbabwe over the last week, causing river overflow, in particular, the Kafue River and floods that have resulted in casualties and damage.

“In Zambia, media reported, as of 21 January, around 15 000 affected people across the Namwala District (Southern Province),” OCHA said.

“In addition, media also reported around 110 displaced people and 500 affected families across the Choma District in the same and in Zimbabwe, a number of destroyed and damaged houses, some damaged roads and a damaged bridge in Victoria Falls City (Matabeleland North Province).”

Source: Victoria Falls’s Mkhosana residents left counting losses following heavy rainsVictoria Falls’s Mkhosana residents left counting losses following heavy rains (31st Jan 2022)

Refurbished 5-star River Lodge near Victoria Falls Reopens

 - Batoka Hospitality Zimbabwe has been busy during the pandemic, acquiring three lodges around Victoria Falls from Imvelo Safari Lodges.

- The refurbished Zambezi Sands River Lodge will be the first of the new acquisitions to be unveiled in March, followed by Batoka Gorges, and Little Lodge later in 2022.

- The 24-bed lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, one hour away from the Victoria Falls, has been redesigned by renowned South African interior designer Yvonne O'Brien.

- The refurbished river lodge features a spa and fitness centre, while each suite has its own private plunge pool and a view of the Zambezi River. 

- A 5-star luxury safari lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just one hour's drive away from the iconic Victoria Falls, will reopen to the public in March after undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

 

Batoka Hospitality Zimbabwe (BHZ) has made major inroads into the tourism sector around Victoria Falls during the pandemic, acquiring three properties from Imvelo Safari Lodges and embarking on renovations led by renowned South African interior designer Yvonne O'Brien.

The 24-bed Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge, and its sister attraction, the Gorges Lodge, was acquired in 2020. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, O'Brien's contemporary furniture and décor firm, Private House Company, was enlisted to reconceptualise 11 suites.

The work completed on the lodge in the heart of the Zambezi National Park adds to Private House Company's portfolio of redesigned luxury lodges at Londolozi, Lapalala, and Simbithi, as well as high-end homes and residences in Steyn City, Hyde Park, Dainfern, and Clifton.

The Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge will be the first to reopen to the public in March with the 4-star Batoka Gorges, and Little Lodge expected to welcome visitors later in 2022.

"Our vision is to become a leading luxury safari company on the African continent, but we also want to create opportunities for economic growth in the communities we build in. We are empowering the African dream of success through ecotourism and hospitality," said Batoka executive director, Vimbai Masiyiwa, the daughter of Zimbabwean philanthropist and founder of technology giant Econet Global, Strive Masiyiwa.

"As much as we enrich the lives of our guests through a truly authentic African experience, we are building self-sustaining communities across Africa through our brand."

The refurbished river lodge features a spa and fitness centre. Each suite has its own private plunge pool and a view of the Zambezi River. Ghanaian brand R&R Luxury provides complimentary items like toiletries in each of the suites. 

A two-bedroom suite, fit with private swimming pool, lounge, dining room and deck – for those desiring more privacy and opulent "home away from home" – is expected to be unveiled later in the year.

Source: Refurbished 5-star River Lodge near Victoria Falls Reopens  (15/01/22)

Special Economic Zone status for Vic Falls

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has designated the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone as an international financial services centre.

The declaration is contained in Statutory Instrument 4 of 2022 cited as Banking (Declaration of the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone as an International Financial Services Centre) Notice, 2022.

An international financial services Centre caters for customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy.

Such centres deal with flows of finance, financial products and services across borders.

Last year President Mnangagwa launched the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), the country’s second stock exchange that exclusively trades in US dollars.

VFEX was established in October 2020 as a subsidiary of the Harare-based Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE).

It is aimed at providing a global platform for the trading of stocks in foreign currency in a way that promotes foreign investment into the country and the southern African region.

The exchange is also one of the many initiatives being implemented by the Zimbabwean government to stabilize the economy and attract foreign direct investment.

Meanwhile, Government has set new passport fees with immediate effect.

The new fees are US$100 for an ordinary passport and US$200 for an emergency one.

The new fees were gazetted by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in Statutory Instrument 3 of 2022 cited as Citizenship (Passport Fees) Regulations of 2022.

The new SI repeals SI273 of 2022 that required payment of an additional US$20 processing fee through CBZ Bank.

Last year Government launched the new electronic passport in partnership with Lithuanian company, Garsu Pasaulis.

The development will see the eradication of the passport backlog and production of other primary identity documents.

Source: Special Economic Zone status for Vic Falls (08/01/22)

Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge To Launch In Zimbabwe In March 2022

 The Batoka Hospitality Group opens revamped five-star destination as part of its vision to boost African tourism and uplift local communities

A new dawn is beckoning at Zimbabwe’s magnificent Victoria Falls. 

In March 2022, the Batoka Hospitality Group will unveil the beautifully-refurbished Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, the first major milestone on the ecotourism group’s journey to empower local communities and boost the African tourism market.

Located in the western part of the Zambezi National Park and only an hour’s drive from the world-famous Victoria Falls, the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge offers guests the chance to luxuriate in the glorious African bush where they can take in the exquisite waters of the mighty Zambezi or marvel at elephant, buffalo, lion, hippo and abundant birdlife.  

Having previously partnered with Imvelo Safari Lodges, in 2020 Batoka Hospitality acquired 100% ownership of the former Zambezi Sands River Camp and its sister attraction, the Gorges Lodge.

The move has paved the way for the company’s spirited executive director, Vimbai Masiyiwa, to execute her vision for creating uniquely-African luxury destinations that are deeply connected to their communities.

As a daughter of Strive Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean philanthropist and founder of technology giant Econet Global, Masiyiwa is determined to follow in her father’s footsteps by empowering Africans through sustainable projects that will provide partnership and employment opportunities for generations to come. 

She is driven to grow the hospitality sector for Africans, by Africans.

Particularly in light of the economic hardships brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Masiyiwa is aiming to rejuvenate the African sector by appealing to African tourists from countries like Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda and Tanzania – all the while improving the lives of the local Zimbabwean community. 

“We put people first – the people in our communities, the people in our teams, and our guests. We choose to learn from each other and consistently look for a better way to do what we do.  We create opportunities for our societies to thrive,” Masiyiwa says. 

The five-star Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge that will welcome its first guests in March is the picture of luxury in an African setting.  

The 11 suites have been reconceptualized by contemporary furniture and décor firm The Private House Company, under the astute eye of renowned South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien.  

Known for creating rooms that are understated, personal and quietly refined, the Private House Company boasts an incredible portfolio, having designed and furnished luxury lodges at Londolozi, Lapalala and Simbithi, as well as high-end homes and residences in Steyn City, Hyde Park, Dainfern and Clifton in South Africa.

The natural materials and tones O’Brien and her team have brought to the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge blend seamlessly into the Victoria Falls landscape, where breathtaking vistas greet guests from every suite.  

The 24-bed lodge comprises 10 standard suites, each with a private plunge pool and spectacular views of the Zambezi River. 

Later in 2022, a two-bedroom suite, complete with private swimming pool, lounge and dining room and deck for those desiring more privacy and opulent “home away from home” experience will be added to the lodge’s offering. 

Rest and relaxation, pampering and health are high on the agenda, and accordingly a spa and fitness centre facilities are included among the amenities on offer.

Ghanaian brand R&R Luxury has also partnered with the group to provide items like toiletries in each of the suites. 

A big part of Batoka Hospitality’s vision is sustainability, not only for local communities, but the environment as well. 

Masiyiwa and her team have gone to great lengths to instill a culture of knowledge and responsibility for the land, and have emphasised the importance of preserving Victoria Falls’ fauna and flora. 

Equally, they have made sure to extol the virtues of local customs and traditions. 

Over and above her role as director, Masiyiwa is a mental health activist who has spent a lot of time seeking to understand human suffering and initiating programmes for people to bring change to their lives. 

It is something that is close to her heart, and these values are reflected in Batoka Hospitality’s offerings.

“Our vision is to become a leading luxury safari company on the African continent, but we also want to create opportunities for economic growth in the communities we build in. We are empowering the African dream of success through ecotourism and hospitality,” she says. 

“As much as we enrich the lives of our guests through a truly authentic African experience, we are building self-sustaining communities across Africa through our brand.”

Later in 2022, Batoka will unveil its second major project of the year, the four-star Batoka Gorges and Little Lodge.

The 30-bed lodge comprises 10 tented suites and five stone chalets overlooking one of Zimbabwe’s most captivating attractions, the Batoka Gorge

This offering, which is targeting the younger adventure traveller, will boast many of the same amenities found at the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge, and once again, be imbued with the African spirit of caring, hospitality and hope.

“For us, it’s all about becoming completely immersed in the local culture,”  Masiyiwa says.

Source: Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge To Launch In Zimbabwe In March 2022 (13/12/21)

Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone concept under scrutiny

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter

VARIOUS stakeholders from Government and private sector are meeting in Victoria Falls to interrogate the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone (SEZ) feasibility study as efforts to operationalise the tourism corridor intensify.

Last year Government started crafting a blueprint to guide operationalization of the greater Victoria Falls SEZ and Cabinet approved the Integrated Development Programme/Conceptual Development Framework for the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga SEZ whose idea is to integrate economic activities, catapult growth and improve livelihoods in the province.

The SEZ will help create a tourism corridor stretching from Kazungula west of Victoria Falls, to Hwange, Binga, Sijalila and Kariba, including areas around Lake Gwayi-Shangani in Hwange.

Government wants to make Victoria Falls its tourism capital and the Second Republic has deliberately focused its priorities to the resort city and developments especially in the tourism sector, including plans to come up with Masue and Batoka cities are testimony to that.

Government established and appointed Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company to spearhead tourism infrastructure development in the SEZ, including Masue City, about 10km outside the existing city centre and the company has been conducting a feasibility study with assistance of Old Mutual.

Mosi-oa-Tunya company is under the Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry, which organized the SEZ feasibility study validation workshop.

In her keynote address, Tourism Minister deputy Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the SEZ is one of the key projects that President Mnangagwa has given priority as it will also unlock potential of tourism towards Vision 2030.

“Government envisions the Victoria Falls SEZ to become a competitive tourism destination and as Ministry we have now to move to mortar and brick stage in 2022,” she said.

Source: Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone concept under scrutiny (13/12/21)

Glow Petroleum Opens A US$1,5m New Fuel Station In Vic Falls

 VICTORIA FALLS: One of the country’s leading fuel dealers, Glow Petroleum has opened a new fuel station in this resort city after investing US$1,5 million into the project.

This becomes Glow Petroleum’s 42nd  branch in Zimbabwe.

  

Glow owner Aaron Chinhara partnered with Victoria Falls businessman Ozias Marange on the project, which will also see a mall being built to the tune of more than US$3 million.

While the opening of a fuel station might seem to be an ordinary development, the new facility exudes unparalleled quality.

It started with a competitive price of US$1.30 for a litre of petrol, US$0.7 cheaper than other dealers in city.

Just across the road from the site of the garage, are two fuel black market spots that have been booming for more than a year.

However, Chinhara said Victoria Falls will never run short of fuel again.

”We decided to come to this side of the country to join hands with those in the southern region and give each other energy in this business,” Chinhara said.

“This is the first phase and US$1,5 million was put. When the whole project is complete, it will be plus US$3 million and we want to put a one-stop- modern mall here for the people of Mkhosana and Chinotimba suburbs.”

He said as a company, Glow Petroleum valued quality.

Chinhara added the company would construct more fuel stations across the country.

“Glow petroleum is a 100% black-owned company and we have done numerous projects, and today (Wednesday), we have opened branch number 42 as part of our expansion policy.

“We always want to make sure that when we build the next garage, we always try to do better and make sure it is better than our previous one.

“We want to make our communities and country beautiful by creating beautiful facilities. If on any day Victoria Falls had no fuel, that time is over.”

Marange, who also runs a haulage trucking and hardware business, concurred, adding the joint venture would ensure the Victoria Falls community, especially the tourism industry does not run out of fuel.

“We want to make sure every business operates without the challenges of fuel. This will help the local industry as there will be no shortage of fuel,” Marange said.

The fuel station will operate 24 hours and it opened to motorists Wednesday.

Source: Glow Petroleum Opens A US$1,5m New Fuel Station In Vic Falls (11/11/21)

 DANIEL JONES in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

VICTORIA FALLS, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE is to add another five star hotel to its catalogue as part of US$3 million investment to create a one-stop shopping mall in Victoria Falls.

Entrepreneur Aaron Chinhara, through his House of Chinhara establishment, is planning the facility for the tourism capital city, Victoria Falls.

Construction is set to start in 2022.

Chinhara has made a name for himself in the fuel industry.

The facility is to change the face of Victoria Falls, according to the proprietors, Glow Petroleum.

House of Chinhara is Glow’s sister company.

“As an operator we want to make the country beautiful by creating beautiful things,” Chinhara said.

“Through our House of Chinhara, a tourism entity that we have created, two projects will start next year in Victoria Falls. I want to think these projects are going to change the face of Victoria Falls because its huge investments.”

He said the Victoria Falls community must “keep its eyes open for another spectacular or two projects, which are on spectacular standards.”

“They are coming to Victoria Falls in 2022 up to 2023. Surely we are not going to build hotels that are already in Victoria Falls, we must build hotels that are not here,” said Chinhara.

Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s tourism capital and the gateway into the country.

However, shortage of hotel rooms has been a cause for concern.

The city has a deficit of more than 2 500 rooms, according to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

There are also qualms about some of the facilities which do not meet world standards.

Government plans to make Victoria Falls its conference capital and is courting investors to build a convention centre with state-of-the-art facilities comprising five-star hotels, medical facilities, a theme park and motor race course.

The Victoria Falls City Council is also luring investors to build a US$250 million Civic Centre which it says will be in the model of the iconic Mandela Square in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This will include council offices, a hall for meetings and functions, a 5-star hotel, a shopping mall with restaurants and a theme park or city square.

Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament, recently implored the government to speed up implementation of the Victoria Falls Integrated Master Plan so as to lure investors into the tourism destination.

Before the debilitating outbreak of the COVID-19, contribution of travel and tourism to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product (GDP) was 6,5 percent.

Source: Latest 5-star hotel to change face of Vic Falls (16/11/21)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (March 2019) $500m investment for Victoria Falls... International hotel chain to set up exclusive leisure centre.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (February 2021) Zambezi River Scenes Which Inspired Livingstone Under Threat.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (November 2021) Latest 5-star hotel to change face of Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (December 2021) Glow Petroleum opens US$1,5m facility in Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (May 2022) Prevalence of wild animals worries Vic Falls residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (20th October 2022) IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection hotel in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th November 2022) Six Senses Stilted Eco-Lodges on the Zambezi.

 

Vic Falls hive of activity with three new hotels

 DANIEL JONES in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

VICTORIA FALLS, (CAJ News) – BOUYED by the official opening of a hotel, lodge and guesthouse in Victoria Falls at the peak of the COVID-19, President Emmerson Mnangagwa believes Zimbabwe is on course to meet its target of a US$5 billion tourism industry by 2025.

The tourism capital city has been a hive of activity in recent days as Mnangagwa presided over the launch of the Palm River Hotel, Nkosi Guest Lodge and Zambezi Boutique respectively.

The facilities were built during the grueling lockdown that has been in place since April 2021, much to the detriment of tourism.

“These new investments by the tourism sector demonstrate confidence in the country’s future and will go a long way in accelerating recovery of the sector,” Mnangagwa said.

“The target of a $5 billion tourism industry by 2025 is achievable as evidenced by the tourism investments. These will provide a competitive market driven and diversified product range,” he said.

The president commended the tourism sector for its continued focus towards the realization of the outcomes outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025).

It is part of a strategy to attain Upper Middle-Income Society status by 2030.

Mnangagwa officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for The Palm River Hotel in July 2020, marking commencement of construction and the hotel that opened its doors on December 1- fully booked.

There were 31 rooms on offer, with the rest in the 73-room facility to take bookings for 2022.

Palm River Lodge, Victoria Falls

The Zambezi Boutique, with its high-end luxury suites was constructed under 12 months beginning in November 2020, at a cost of $900 000.

Nkosi Guest Lodge is a $48-million hotel.

Mnangagwa encouraged investors in Victoria Falls to adopt renewable energy and turn the city into a leading green tourism destination.

He also urged players in the tourism sector to develop new products and attract more investments leveraging on the opening up of new resorts in areas around Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Tugwi-Mukosi Dam and the emerging Binga, Bumi Hills and Kanyemba tourism corridor among others.

“We are determined to make sure that our country is an investment destination where capital feels safe,” Mnangagwa assured.

Source: Vic Falls hive of activity with three new hotels (10/12/21)