Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
BINGA District is forging ahead with its ambitious development agenda under the new National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), with a clear focus on completing critical infrastructure and unlocking the district’s vast economic potential.
According to the official Binga District NDS1 Projects compendium prepared by the Binga Rural District Council, the district’s NDS2 priorities are firmly anchored in eight thematic areas that include Economic Diversification and Job Creation, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Social Protection and
Community Well-being, Good Governance, Food Security and Nutrition, and Peace, Unity and Social Cohesion.
The compendium outlines several flagship projects earmarked for implementation under NDS2.
In the critical area of road infrastructure, the document identifies the rehabilitation of Binga-Cross Dete Road covering 154km, Binga-Siakovu Road, Binga-Gokwe Road and Lusulu–Kariangwe Road as a top priority.
“In the health sector, there are plans for the establishment of a drug rehabilitation centre to support health, social protection and community well-being,” reads the document.
The district has also highlighted plans for a modern multi-sports stadium to support sport, recreation and youth development, as well as the construction of a composite office block to improve public administration and service delivery.
According to the compendium, priority will be given to completing outstanding NDS1 projects before initiating new NDS2 capital projects.
The district has further presented a compelling case for private sector participation, outlining several investment opportunities poised to transform the district’s economic landscape.
One of the most ambitious projects is a proposed US$40 million Solar Farm.
“This can be described as the development of large-scale solar farms either floating on the Zambezi River or ground-mounted in Nkalange, and the project is expected to contribute significantly to
Zimbabwe’s electricity supply at low cost with a payback period estimated at 8-10 years,” reads the document.
In agriculture, the district has presented a US$1-2 million opportunity in Greenhouse and Horticultural Farming.
“The produce will supply hospitals, schools, lodges, prisons, and households, reducing reliance on imports from Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and Zambia, with a payback period estimated at 5-7 years,” reads the document.
Tourism presents another major opportunity. The district has revealed a US$20 million Binga Peninsula Resort project, which would feature a harbour, lodges, floating casino river boat, five-star hotel (90-200 rooms), conference hall, restaurants, nightclub, golf course.
“The project is expected to generate significant foreign currency earnings, create massive employment, and stimulate local business,” reads the document.
Fisheries development is also highlighted, with a US$0,5-1 million project for modern fish farming units (cages and ponds), coupled with fish processing and packaging facilities.
According to the compendium, strong domestic and export demand for fish products exists, with a payback period estimated at 6-8 years.
Other investment opportunities identified in the compendium include departmental stores, a scientific landfill, and the servicing of high-density residential stands.
The district acknowledges several challenges facing the district, including that major roads in Binga District remain in poor condition, affecting mobility, access to services, markets, schools, health facilities and economic activity.
On food security, the district noted that approximately 80 percent of households are projected to be cereal insecure during the 2025/2026 cropping season, while limited irrigation coverage reduces drought resilience. However, the district has set out several clear recommendations.
“These include the need to rehabilitate major roads including Binga-Kamativi-Cross Dete, Binga-Siakovu, Binga-Gokwe and Lusulu-Kariangwe roads and to accelerate water and irrigation projects including Gwayi-Shangani Dam, irrigation schemes and borehole rehabilitation.”
The district has further called for the development of local economic opportunities through tourism, mining, and commercialisation of baobab and tamarind products.
The district remains committed to its vision of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030, with NDS2 providing the roadmap to achieve this goal through strategic investments and partnerships.
