GOVERNMENT has started the process of implementing the much-awaited Masuwe Special Economic Zone project in Victoria Falls with a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the first phase of the project set for the first week of December.
Government set up Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company (Pvt) Ltd, a State Enterprise as an investment vehicle for the development of tourism in Victoria Falls.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company owns 274,1 hectares of prime land in Jafuta Masuwe Estate which part of the Integrated Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone.
The parastatal’s nine-member board chaired by Mrs Sheila Sidambe was appointed in 2021 and given the mandate to deliver infrastructure development in Victoria Falls.
Government expects the company to deliver on its mandate to grow the tourism product base in Victoria Falls and this is a must-deliverable in the lifespan of the National Development Strategy (NDS1) (2021 to 2025).
Cabinet approved the implementation of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Jafuta Estate following a feasibility study that found the scheme to be highly profitable.
This paved way for the implementation of the project and Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company is now busy scouting for investors, with Zimbabwe Cricket becoming the first serious investor that has shown interest.
In terms of Masuwe City scope, Government earmarks a multi-million dollar project comprising a five-star convention centre with matching flagship hotels and villas, a golf estate, a medical tourism facility, a commercial central business district, an international service centre, high-end residential units and other top-notch facilities.
The plan for Masuwe City started effectively in July 2020 following Government approval.
Cabinet endorsed a final report for the project in March this year paving the way for the appointment of a town planner for the project.
Zimbabwe Cricket plans to build a 10 000-seater cricket stadium starting in December this year, becoming the pacesetter on the mega project with numerous other investors showing interest in the project, which is set to become a game-changer in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.
ZC promised to have a ground-breaking for the stadium project in the first week of December after which construction will start. Between US$5 million and US$10 million will be invested mainly from grants from the International Cricket Council.
Yesterday Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company management led by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa and Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa and ZC management toured the Jafuta Estate.
Briefing the Deputy Minister and other delegates, Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company chief executive Mr Gabriel Mapondera said the company is presently doing statutory consultations and is ready to enter into an agreement with any investors approved by Government.
“As we speak the department has started statutory consultations process. We think we can conclude in November and obtain subdivision permits which can then pave the way for subdivision and pegging,” he said.
“Now, we have a specific allocation for a multi-purpose sports facility which is why Zimbabwe Cricket is here to assess the site.”
ZC said the ground-breaking will be done in the first week of December and the two parties were expected to start signing agreements yesterday allaying fears of acquiring land for speculative tendencies.
ZC chairperson, Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the cricket body is ready to start constructing the stadium, which will be ready to host the 2026 Under 19 Cricket World Cup.
Dr Munyanyiwa said the project will help diversify tourism products and packages with the introduction of sports tourism.
“This development has become a breaking point towards having sports tourism in our country. This is a serious development that will be a game changer to tourism in Zimbabwe and we continue to have interest from investors who want to partner Government in the Masuwe project,” he said.
Dr Munyanyiwa said the development by ZC is going to be a pull factor for other investors to come.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said any facility to be developed in the Masuwe project should meet SEZ standards.
“They have promised that starting in December they will start building the stadium so that the World Cup is held here in two years time. The project will be an anchor to any other project that will be attracted into the area,” he said.
“They are ready to break the ground and as we speak, we are signing MoUs meaning we are kick-starting the project as everything has been ironed out and nothing will stand in the way of this development.”
Government wants to make Victoria Falls its conference capital and this dovetails with the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition drive.— @ncubeleon
Source: Process starts for Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone (19/10/23)
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