Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE hospitality sector in Guruve District has received a boost following the commissioning of Tamari Lodges and Conference Centre at Mudhindo Growth Point, a development expected to stimulate tourism, attract investment and create employment opportunities for local communities.
Provincial leaders commissioned the facility during the festive season, describing it as a milestone for rural development in Mashonaland Central Province.
Community members said the lodge had transformed the area by bringing modern hospitality services closer to rural residents, reducing the need for visitors to seek accommodation in major cities.
The facility has also created employment opportunities for local youths, particularly in an area with growing mining activity, where demand for accommodation and leisure services has been increasing.
Tamari Trust Chairperson Mr Paul Chimbodza said the project was inspired by the need to modernise the area and establish key enablers for development, including suitable accommodation for investors and visitors.
He said the land, previously used for cattle herding, had been transformed into a modern hospitality facility aimed at supporting economic growth and positioning Mudhindo as an emerging investment destination.
“If you want to develop an area, there are certain enablers to development like water, electricity, and suitable shelter and a place like this to stay is an enabler. Whoever is coming to invest here knows they will find a good place to stay. We used to herd cattle in this place, this was a paddock, a forest, but we are now trying to modernise this place,” Mr Chimbodza said.
He said rural development and industrialisation remain central to national development efforts, in line with the President’s vision.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, called on communities and local authorities to support similar investments, urging councils to expedite administrative processes to retain and attract investors.
“The President says a nation is built by its people and today Cde Chimbodza has fulfilled that mantra. We expect others to copy this nationwide and we also expect that the councils should expedite papers so that you retain investment. Be quick to facilitate investors to set up, that is how your grow your district. The President expects rural development and industrialisation,” honourable Magomo said.
The opening of Tamari Lodges comes as rural districts across Zimbabwe increasingly leverage improved infrastructure, mining activity and devolution-driven initiatives to promote tourism and economic growth.
