Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE government has endorsed the construction of an uptown hotel in Gweru’s Central Business District in a move set to ease accommodation challenges in the City of Progress.
The new hotel to be constructed at a cost of more than US$600 000 complements the existing conference centre and a restaurant which has changed the face of Gweru on the tourism front.
The proprietors of the hotel facility say they are inspired by the Second Republic’s industrialisation and reindustrialisation efforts.
“The business operating environment in this country is quite conducive. We started in the mining sector and saw a number of opportunities here in Gweru. This is now my second home. I have even invited my son from abroad to come and help me with business here. I am also involved with some projects with MSU where we are helping those upcoming entrepreneurs to stand alone. I want to spread my wings and expand my businesses in this beautiful country,” said Milan managing director, Mr Taleb Mohamad.
“I came to Gweru and saw opportunities in brick laying. However, I usually come this side for business meetings and end up sleeping in Kwekwe due to lack of adequate accommodation. Now I saw an opportunity in that as we always explore the low hanging fruits in the country which offer us opportunities to grow,” said Ultimate Bricks and Pavers chief executive officer, Mr Shadreck Musemwa.
The government says it supports development efforts in all sectors of the economy as these contribute to the Provincial Gross Domestic Product figures.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate this investment by Milan Restaurant and Ultimate Bricks and Pavers, I urge all local authorities to fully embrace ease of doing business and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde E.D Mnangagwa’s call to action to improve on service delivery and customer satisfaction.
“Furthermore, I urge Milan Restaurant and Ultimate Bricks and Pavers to work closely with Gweru City Council, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to ensure adherence to tourism standards,” said Midlands Minister for State and Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
The establishment of the hotel in Gweru further solidifies the province as the investment destination of choice after contributing a remarkable 11.2 percent to the national GDP, according to the latest ZIMSTAT figures of 2023.
