Story by Tafara Chikumira
The mining town of Shurugwi has received a facelift after the commissioning of a new hotel which also functions as a tourism training school.
The latest development, which has transformed the Sebanga area just outside the town of Shurugwi, is in line with the national tourism growth plan spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
ZTA Regional Manager, Mrs Linda Ntuli told the ZBC News, “We had a target of 1 025 rooms for 2025 and the inclusion of a new player takes our room stock to 1 089, meaning we are way above our target for 2025 and this is the beginning of the year. It is an exciting development for us in terms of new infrastructure, in terms of job creation and in terms of perception when it comes to Shurugwi as a destination.”
The Second Republic’s mantra: Zimbabwe is open for business was the driving force behind the proprietor’s desire to make a difference in society.
Scenic Hotel Managing Director, Mr Moses Zuva said, “The President is very clear with his ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ mantra, which also prompted us to spring into action. If we look at this area it used to be a residential area, but we have decided to commercialise it. The community will start to enjoy some spin-off benefits from the traffic of people for the facility. We also have abundant of clean water where we are assisting the community in the process.”
Leader of the Zion Christian Church, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, who also graced the official opening ceremony, urged investors to take advantage of the peace and tranquility obtaining in the country and come up with meaningful development for posterity.
“You should have love and everything would follow. Love your country as well as your neighbor. Most people are consumed by hate which leads to nowhere. You need to respect the peace obtaining here and take advantage of the clarion call by the President to build your own country. It is only us who can build our own country. Other nationals envy us as there is unending wars. We need to respect our security personnel for ensuring that the investment climate remains favorable,” he stated.
Government is equally excited by the new developments, which feeds into the National Development Strategy One.
“Today’s event underscores the Second Republic under the stewardship of Zimbabwe’s Number 1 farmer, the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Head of State and Government, Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and SADC Chairman, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s development philosophy that recognises the importance of supportive modern infrastructure, the role of the private sector in socio-economic transformation and the need to empower indigenous people in spearheading innovation, modernisation and industrialisation of the economy guided by the mantra Nyika Inovakwa, Igotongwa, Igonamatirwa Nevene Vayo. I therefore commend the initiative by Mr Moses Zuva and Family to establish this state-of-the-art tourism facility which dovetails with the New Dispensation’s desire to leapfrog the economy create jobs and provide conducive environments to workshop and relax,” Honourable Owen Ncube (Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution said.
Since the inception of the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has witnessed massive infrastructure development, including construction of roads, new schools and clinics.
