adminSydney Kawadza Chinhoyi Bureau
Kariba Municipality has hailed the IBDZ-Kariba Housing Project, which is expected to change the face of the town.
In a speech read on her behalf by deputy mayor Mr Ferdson Aaron at the ground-breaking ceremony early last week, Kariba mayor Ms Tracy Ndoro said the project dovetailed with the local authority’s vision to become the ultimate tourist destination — embedded in a thriving community — by 2025.
“The project is providing the much-needed impetus and with the town set to benefit economically, financially and socially,” she said.
The project, Ms Ndoro said, had not only created employment opportunities during construction, but it had also increased housing units in the town and improved the standard of living for residents.
The project would also provide “security of tenure for stand owners as they will get title deeds, access to services and amenities”.
“Increased stands availability will translate into increased revenue for council,” said Ms Ndoro. “Increased housing developments are key to economic growth, which will spur other activities (and) provides valuable economic opportunities through the designated commercial and industrial stands,” she said.
About 1 550 residential stands in Kasese, Baobab and Batonga will be serviced through the housing project.
Kariba has also set aside $14,9 million for the construction of surfaced roads and storm water drains, water reticulation systems, waste water reticulation systems, electricity and street lighting, bulk water and sewer infrastructure.
“Most importantly, one of the project’s key deliverables is the provision of housing stands for the relocation of 390 households staying under the 330 kV power lines in Mahombekombe,” said Ms Ndoro.
“The community has for long been exposed to the dangers of the high voltage power lines, overcrowding, dilapidated structures and lack of modern sanitary facilities, this will be a thing of the past.”
Kariba Municipality, she said, was mobilising funds for residents who will not be able to build their own houses.
“The relocation project will, in addition, free up one of Kariba’s prime lands situated on the shores of the lake with potential for tourism developments, and with IDBZ as a partner, this will change the tourism fortunes of the town,” she said.
Ms Ndoro said council made agreements with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and the Zambezi River Authority (ZARA) for constructing the houses.
“To date, 43 have been built by ZPC, while a further 18 are under construction to cater for the soon-to-be-commissioned power station expansion,” she said.
“ZARA will shortly commence the construction of flats following the availing of land by council. Various other local companies and organisations, including civil servants, uniformed forces, council employees and Lake Harvest employees are among the beneficiaries of the Kariba Housing Project.”
Part of the Baobab stands, said Ms Ndoro, would be reserved for the development of holiday homes and chalets to provide the much-needed tourist accommodation.
“Council is currently seized with a proposal for the establishment of a world-class golf course and associated amenities at the famous Mopani Bay, a proposal for the project will be submitted shortly to the joint venture unit within the Ministry of Finance for approval,” she said.
Ms Ndoro said Kariba Municipality adopted President Mnangagwa’s stance to open up Zimbabwe to investors in the areas of leisure and recreation.
Efforts are presently being made to expedite the turnaround period in approval processes.
“A central business district is being planned in partnership with the private sector, and this will avail the much-needed commercial space for the hundreds of investors who wish to set base in Kariba,” she said.
“The proposed CBD shall also avail space to the various Government departments that are scattered throughout the town, with some operating from residential areas. We also plan to have a proper civic centre for my council at the new CBD.”
According to Mrs Ndoro, the local authority doesn’t have land for expansion since the town is located within a national park.
Further, Kariba Airport is understood to be too small to attract large and direct flights, while the Kariba-Makuti Road is in bad shape.
Online Reporter