Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
HIGHER and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava has commended Lupane State University (LSU) for leading in national development through setting up the Bingwa Wildlife Ecotourism Innovation and Industrialisation Park in Hwange.
Dr Shava made the remarks last week after touring the park, which he said should now focus on innovation, industrialisation, and income generation, which are the prime anchors of national progress.
He said the university’s determination to overcome challenges encountered when setting up the park was a textbook case of problem-solving under pressure and the important highlight of infusing the ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ philosophy.
“The way the university mobilised to overcome obstacles is a textbook example of problem-solving under pressure. What stands out most clearly is potential; the potential to create meaningful jobs, the potential to expand access to knowledge and skills, and the potential for Zimbabwe to present to the world a bold new model of sustainable, innovation-driven ecotourism.
“This is not merely a project; it is a statement of what is possible when higher education leads national development. I am deeply impressed by the vision and the sheer determination that has gone into the Bingwa project,” Dr Shava said.
The Bigwa innovation and industrialisation park boasts of significant infrastructure, including a conference center, chalets, staff quarters, and water and electricity reticulation systems.
Dr Shava said the ecotourism park, set to be launched and operationalised on May 31, should now be modeled along proper management, marketing and pricing in order to generate sustainable income for LSU.
He urged university authorities to look beyond potential employment opportunities, but also look at how local small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) can be part of the supply chain by providing fresh produce, arts and crafts for tourists, or services.
“This park must be a catalyst for local economic development. This is where true industrialisation begins, linking production to consumption and the market,” he said
LSU vice chancellor Professor Pardon Kuipa said they put up to US$800 000 into the Bingwa project and that the university envisages recouping the investment within the next three years.
Peter Tanyanyiwa