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Walter Nyamukondiwa
Kariba Bureau
With the tourism industry shifting its focus to the domestic market in the face of the Covid-19 global pandemic, Kariba Municipality is making concerted efforts to make the town an ultimate destination by 2030.
The initiative involves aligning its goals with the national ideals set out in the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which will provide the building blocks for the attainment of Vision 2030.
Among the key deliverables is promotion of the ease of doing business for tourism players for the setting up of facilities that attract tourists.
This comes as Government is on a drive to promote domestic tourism towards the sector contributing at least 10 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Addressing the 2021-25 Kariba Municipality Strategic Plan consultation meeting here yesterday, housing and community services director Mr Godfrey Magijani said the municipality’s priority was creating an enabling environment for the growth of the tourism industry.
“In line with Government’s position, Kariba Municipality will not actively participate in business, but will commit to creating an enabling environment,” said Mr Magijani.
“Where land is needed, we are prepared to look into request for commercial stands so that industry players can work towards the growth of the sector as it carries our aspirations as a town.”
Tourism, together with other industries such as power generation, fishing, aquaculture and crocodile farming are expected to spur the resort town’s development.
To achieve this, stakeholders said, Kariba Municipality needed to upgrade and rehabilitate roads, improve signage to ensure easy navigation by visitors and reorganisation of the town to have food courts and shopping malls.
It is also expected to upgrade sewer and water reticulation to meet the growing population of around 35 000 people presently.
Sewer pipe bursts have been commonplace amid pressure from residents through increased waste volumes and improper use of facilities.
Charles Duri
Online Reporter