Story by Tichaona Kurewa
The implementation of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone is progressing well, with various infrastructure projects expected to kick-off before the end of the year.
Last month, Cabinet approved implementation of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone project (MSEZP) after a feasibility study endorsed the profitability of the plan.
The Special Economic Zone will comprise amenities such as a four-star hotel with a 5 000-seater conference facility, medical tourism facilities, a golf estate and a shopping mall.
Government outlines the timelines of the project.
Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Honourable Mangaliso Ndhlovu stated, “The next steps that follow are town planning and cadastral surveys that have to be done. Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial Agency whom we are in talks with to be able to most of the services.”
“Our idea is that we should be able to open that area’s infrastructure investment towards the last quarter of the year. Certainly, by the end of the year if we have serious investors we would want to see them on the ground,” he said.
The development has been met with excitement in the resort city where boundless opportunities lie ahead.
City of Victoria Falls, Ward One Councillor Tonderai Mutasa noted, “The economy of the City of Victoria Falls will certainly improve and the city’s GDP will also go up as a result of this improvement which is coming at Masuwe.”
“The issue of employment is something to take note of because it is going to create employment as many people will get employed on that side of the city.”
“This development will also enhance tourism, I have seen that there will be sporting activities happening on that side, meaning sport tourism will also go up. So this project is indeed something to look forward to.”
The project will be implemented within two years in two separate phases at an estimated cost of 205 million United States dollars.
Phase One entails construction of bulk water supply systems for the project and development of internal water, sanitation, roads and storm water drains at an estimated total cost of 120 million United States dollars.
Phase Two will witness the development of the remaining 930 hectares at approximately 85 million United States dollars.
