Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE transformative Binga Development Initiative, a brainchild of President Mnangagwa, has scored major implementation successes with notable advancements in key projects including infrastructure, health, education and economic development — all underpinned by the philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Previously regarded as marginalised, Binga District in Matabeleland North Province, has recently come under spotlight through massive development projects being rolled out under the Second Republic, as well as attracting high-value investments that are creating jobs for locals.
The Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said yesterday’s Cabinet meeting was briefed about the solid progress and renewed hope for the previously marginalised Binga District.
“Cabinet noted progress regarding the implementation of the Binga Development Initiative, a brainchild of His
Excellency President Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa focusing on a number of transformative livelihood projects for the Binga District,” he said.
“The initiative resonates with the mantra: leaving no one and no place behind.”
Dr Muswere highlighted the ongoing construction of the strategic Binga-Siakobvu-Karoi Road, a project set to cut the travelling distance from Harare to Binga by a remarkable 300km upon completion, thereby unlocking immense economic potential.
In the realm of social services, the initiative is making tangible impacts. Cabinet was also briefed about the provision of potable water through drilling of 74 boreholes in the district and the installation of 16 solarised systems as part of efforts to address a critical need for communities.
“The health sector has seen the completion of two new clinics at Mabobolo and Manyanda, the rehabilitation of the Binga District Mortuary, and a donation of two ambulances from the President,” said Dr Muswere.
“Educational infrastructure is also receiving a major boost. The establishment of the Binga School of Nursing is at an advanced stage, while additional buildings at the Binga Industrial Training College and two new Government Boarding Schools are under construction,” he said.
Furthermore, the electrification of eight schools and 300 houses in Binga Township has been completed, bringing light and opportunity to the area. Dr Muswere said economic empowerment of locals in Binga was a central pillar of the initiative.
“The resuscitation of Muchesu Mine has successfully attracted international capital investment, creating new employment opportunities,” he said.
“The establishment of irrigation facilities at Gwayi-Shangani and Bulawayo Kraal, along with the commissioning of kapenta fishing rigs, is bolstering food security and local livelihoods,” he said.
Key governance and identity projects are also nearing completion.
Dr Muswere said the establishment of the Binga Town Board is done, improving local administration, while the Binga Civil Registry is 90 percent complete, with sub-offices already operational, directly addressing the historical lack of identification particulars for residents.
“Plans for a Binga Border Post are at an advanced stage, set to enhance regional trade,” said the minister.
“From the rehabilitation of the Binga Airstrip to the construction of disaster recovery houses and the establishment of a community radio station, the breadth of the initiative demonstrates a holistic approach to development.”
Following the upgrades, Binga Airstrip in Matabeleland North Province can now handle six light aircraft from three following its recent expansion as part of efforts by the Government to improve accessibility and boost tourism in the district.
The rehabilitation of the airstrip, alongside others in the country, was initiated in 2021 by the Government as part of efforts to improve accessibility, enabling tourism hotspots in remote areas to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
With such attractions as the hot springs, wildlife and some economic activities, including fishing, boating, crocodile farming and cultural activities, among others, Binga is regarded as a prime destination sitting on potentially lucrative untapped tourism opportunities.
The Second Republic, has already taken steps to unlock this potential through the Integrated Development Programme and Conceptual Development Framework for the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The vision is to create a thriving tourism corridor stretching from Kazungula near Victoria Falls through Hwange, Binga, Sijalila and Kariba, with connections to the Lake Gwayi-Shangani area, as part of Vision 2030 to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
During a visit to Binga in April 2022, President Mnangagwa directed the Government to expedite development efforts in the previously marginalised district.
Unlike in the past, when such pledges were often dismissed as political rhetoric, visible transformation is now underway in Binga. Completed projects include the long-awaited civil registry offices, Binga Polytechnic College, and the rehabilitation of the district mortuary, now expanded to accommodate 12 bodies, up from six and the construction of a nursing school and Binga Border Post.
Recently, Vice President Kembo Mohadi commissioned 37 newly built houses in Nsungwale Village, Binga District as part of a Government programme to permanently resettle families displaced by the devastating floods of February 2020.
The revelations from Cabinet confirm that the Binga Development Initiative is moving from blueprint to reality.
For the people of Binga, long considered on the periphery of national development, these projects represent more than just infrastructure, they are a testament to a new era of inclusion and a tangible fulfilment of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no place is left behind in Zimbabwe’s journey towards an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Bongani Ndlovu