Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Holy Cross Conference Centre and Tourism Resort project in Chirumanzu is progressing well, amid indications that the first phase of the project will be completed by the end of April this year.
The centre boasts of a conference centre, a bar, and 10 modern chalets earmarked for the initial phase among other critical features.
“We are excited by the progress of this critical project. We are happy that the team is enthusiastic. All the materials are now on site and we hope to open to the public by May this year,” said Holy Cross project supervisor, Mr Shepherd Hloma.
The community has begun to enjoy benefits from the project, with tertiary students also gaining skills and experience.
“The project has brought life to our community. I have since managed to construct a beautiful house to my name. I have also managed to buy some cattle through this project. My children can now attend school after the payment of full school fees. We are enjoying as Chirumanzu community,” a community member noted.
Another added, “I used to be an assistant for builders in my community. Things have changed for the better ever since I started working here. I can now do a lot of work from plumbing to building. I have learnt several skills and I can safely say my future is bright.”
“As a single mother, life was very tough as I had to fend for my family. I want to thank the government for this noble project where we are also engaged in demanding duties just like our male counterparts.”
The government has adopted deliberate efforts to grow the tourism industry across the country.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi said, “After we constructed the Holly Cross Dam, we realised that there are some hanging fruits from the water body. We want people to come from across the world and enjoy the fruits of our tourism products. Our thrust is to ensure that we harness all the potential in the sector and expose it to the people.”
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is poised for massive growth after stakeholders came up with several packages that saw the industry contributing 12 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product last year
