Chronicle Editor
Sharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
THE long awaited Tugwi Mukosi master plan which is set to unlock maximum economic development in the province has been completed with the setting up of a combination authority.
Government on 4 June gazetted Statutory Instrument 135 of 2021 which enables the setting up of the Tugwi Mukosi Dam and Environs Combination Master Plan Authority. The combination authority will have four representatives each from the Masvingo and Chivi rural district councils, two each from Zimparks, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Council for Tourism and the Environmental Agency will have a single member each with the Minister of Local Government and Public Works nominating an additional member.
“The Combination Authority has been formed for the purpose of carrying out, in the area referred to in section 4 above, duties and responsibilities conferred upon a Local Planning Authority in terms of Part IV of the Act in relation to a Master Plan. The Authority shall consist of the following members four members from Chivi Rural District Council, four members from Masvingo Rural District Council; two members from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority; two members from Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement; one representative of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority; one representative of the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism; one member from Environmental Management Agency; an any other additional member appointed by the Minister in terms of section 10(6) of the Act” read part of the instrument.
The combination authority is expected to oversee all activities in and around the 1,8 billion cubic metre water body that includes setting up of tourism facilities, recreational park, fisheries, water sport and agriculture among others.
The agricultural sector envisages harnessing the 40 000 hectares that is capable of being irrigated by the water.
For tourism and hospitality, the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam recreational park is set to unlock maximum value of the dam, promoting the development of domestic tourism and contributing to the $5billion tourism economy by the year 2025. The Park is set to provide tourism service such as water-based activities, safaris, accommodation, conferences and fisheries.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu