Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MANICALAND has pronounced its readiness to host Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, with extensive rehabilitation of key infrastructure, tourism sites, and hospitality facilities currently underway.
This year, the event will for the first time be held outside Bulawayo, and Manicaland has pledged to deliver a flawless show, welcoming international visitors to its majestic, mountainous, and picturesque province.
In an interview regarding the province’s preparedness, Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge said all the systems are in place.
He said Government and private sector are fully geared to host the event, maximising benefits for both the province and country.
He revealed that over 10 committees have been established to ensure the smooth execution of preparatory works for the event.
Rehabilitation of the venue, roads, and sites such as the Hot Springs in Chimanimani and Nyachowe Falls are scheduled to commence by the end of this month.
“In terms of preparations, we have made significant progress as a province, particularly in establishing our committees. Our institutional arrangements are now in place, with over 10 committees focusing on a wide range of tasks ahead, including infrastructure development and exhibitor registration.
“The committees are actively working on the ground, adhering to their terms of reference. We now have a clear understanding of the scope of work required. In the City of Mutare, we have identified specific areas for improvement, including the revamping of roads across the city and enhancing water infrastructure around the venue.
“At a higher level, we are aware that considerable progress has been made to date, particularly in the procurement of necessary equipment, such as tents, and the engagement of service providers. We have also made progress in partnering with service providers to upgrade the venue. Furthermore, we have collaborated with partners to revamp the Hot Springs Resort in Chimanimani, which will undergo significant improvements to meet expected standards. Over US$100 000 will be invested in the first phase to upgrade the rooms and general area,” he said.
Mr Maronge revealed that due to the anticipated increase in arrivals during the period, there would be a deficit of 800 rooms in Mutare.
To address this shortage, he invited private individuals with quality accommodation to register with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, enabling them to host guests and earn a profit.
“A lot of work is underway to prepare for the influx of visitors to Mutare, who will require accommodation. We currently have approximately 1 700 rooms, with a capacity to accommodate around 3 900 people. However, we anticipate a deficit of around 800 rooms. To bridge this gap, we encourage residents of Mutare with suitable accommodation to offer their homes to visitors. Some guests may prefer this arrangement over traditional hotels. Those interested in availing their private accommodation should register with the ZTA to receive guidance on enhancing their facilities,” he said.
Mr Maronge added that the business community in the province has been presented with a unique opportunity to benefit from the event.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza next week will engage with local business leaders to explore potential partnerships between Government and the private sector.
“The upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani event presents a valuable opportunity for our people and the business community to benefit, including hoteliers, transporters, restaurants, bars, and ordinary shops. Everyone must reap the benefits of hosting Sanganai/Hlanganani in Manicaland.
Minister Mugadza will meet with the business community in Mutare to explain these opportunities in greater detail. Our teams accompanying him will provide further information. The tourism ministry and ZTA have a local office that will continue to engage with anyone interested in collaborating with us,” said Mr Maronge.
He also revealed that the host venue, Mutare Sports Club, will undergo a complete revamp to give it a fresh and modern appearance.
Meanwhile, hotels, lodges, and restaurants, primarily run by private entities, are being closely monitored by the ZTA as they upgrade their facilities to ensure they meet the required standards by the time the event commences.
“Provincial infrastructure, particularly roads leading to various tourist facilities and within Mutare, will undergo significant renovations. Several roads have been earmarked for rehabilitation, and this work will be completed before the event.
“Mutare Sports Club will undergo a major transformation, with significant renovations to the changing rooms, restaurants, and other facilities. Some structures will be demolished and rebuilt to meet the high standards we expect. The existing sports infrastructure, including the tennis court, bar, kitchen, pavilion, and parking areas, will also be revamped. Local companies will be engaged in the reconstruction and rehabilitation exercise.
“All the work will begin by the end of June 2025. We are expecting that facilities that are run by the private sector such as hotels and lodges are going to be attended to by their respective owners which is we want to meet with them this coming Monday. ZTA will be visiting hotels and lodges carrying out inspections, critical observations were made and advise was given to the owners. It is expected that before we reach the end of August 2025 respective owners of facilities would have mobilised resources towards attending to those observations,” said Mr Maronge.
