adminA few weeks ago, Government announced that it had secured more than $200 million for projects aimed at sprucing up Victoria Falls.
To build the convention centre that will accommodate more than 3 000 delegates expected at the tourism event, the country requires $350 million.
Other projects include the upgrading of the road infrastructure in the town and rehabilitation of Victoria Falls International Airport.
In the 2012 national budget, Finance Minister Tendai Biti allocated $1 million for the preparations towards the co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly.
Speaking by telephone from Harare, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Willard Manungo, said Government was still working on mobilising more resources before the funds were released.
“Our budget allocation for that project this year is a challenge. We are looking at resources beyond the budget so that the funds are secured and disbursed on time,” he said.
Construction of the convention centre, which will take at least 12 months to complete, is expected to start later this month.
Regional financial institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa have come up with special loan facilities for the refurbishment and recapitalisation of tourism facilities in and around the resort town to improve services by the hospitality industry during and after the tourism event.
Different committees to spearhead the preparations to host the event, including a resource mobilisation committee at national level, have been established.
“As we are still working with various resource mobilisation to support the projects ahead of the UNWTO, it is premature to say when the resources will be disbursed,” said Mr Manungo.
The Zimbabwe Council for Tourism immediate past president, Mr Emmanuel Fundira, said his organisation was impressed by the state of preparedness by Zimbabwe to host the UNWTO General Assembly.
“We are happy to hear that there is some money that has been allocated for specific projects ahead of the general assembly next year. The process has to be followed with vigour so that the resources sourced are disbursed for the projects to start now,” he said.
“The Government should also seek to mobilise the required resources through other structures especially pension funds like the National Social Security Authority by attracting it to participate in the programme,” said Mr Fundira.
Online Reporter