Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Mutare
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is set to roll out a comprehensive spatial planning programme that will strategically link iconic destinations in Matabeleland North Province through a seamless network of wildlife and safari experiences.
The ambitious initiative, which is part of a national drive that has already seen the creation of statutory master plans for all 92 Local Authorities, is designed to unlock vast, previously untapped investment opportunities across the country, moving beyond traditional hotspots to create a structured and sustainable tourism blueprint.
This was revealed by the Chief Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works: Department of Spatial Planning Dr Shingirayi Mushamba in Mutare on Tuesday.
“The plans for Matabeleland North province focus on a strategic game corridor that follows Zambezi River. This corridor connects the key seven nodes, which are Knyemba, Victoria Falls, Dete, Hwange, Mlibizi, Binga and Kariba. Our vision is to link these iconic destinations through a seamless network of wildlife and safari experiences,” he said
He said this marks a new era of opportunity for tourism investment, an era defined by the most comprehensive and meticulous spatial planning program in our nation’s history.
He revealed that as part of this historic exercise, Government planners have been actively identifying and mapping out high-potential tourism sites in all of Zimbabwe’s 92 Local Authorities.
“This process has allowed us to move beyond our traditional tourism hotspots and unlock a vast and diverse range of investment opportunities that have previously gone untapped,” he said.
He said the new master plans are more than just cartographic exercises.
“They are not merely a collection of maps; they are a national blueprint for structured and sustainable development,” he said.
He said Rural District Councils have been empowered to identify and highlight prime locations for investment.
The opportunities he highlighted are boundless.
“In Matabeleland North, the Zambezi corridor plan also showcases the stunning white sand beaches of Binga and the spectacular views of Mlibizi, identified as ideal for new hotel and resort developments.
“The plans further detail new opportunities for tiger fishing and a broader dam economy integrating tourism with sports and recreation,” he said.
Neighbouring Matabeleland South is also a key focus, with its master plans highlighting the immense potential of the Matopo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area is now a primary focus for development, presenting unique opportunities for lodges, eco-tourism projects, and heritage-focused experiences.
Further east, he said Masvingo Province presents significant opportunities for new tourism infrastructure.
“Investors are being sought for the revival of Shagashe Game Park, including a new 3-star hotel and conference facilities. The plans also leverage the proximity of Tugwi Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, identifying key investment opportunities in accommodation and sport facilities,” he said.
Dr Mushamba said the success of these visionary plans hinges on effective collaboration and a strong foundation.
“Our Department is committed to working more closely with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure these opportunities are fully realized. We understand that a key enabler for this vision is infrastructure, and our plans prioritize the development of access roads and utilities to all of these sites,” he said.
The Ministry is also committed to collaborating with partners in the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority on the development of game reserves and game corridors.
“We are confident that these master plans provide a clear and structured roadmap for investment. They offer a transparent and predictable framework for the future, helping investors make informed decisions and ensuring that we are building a world-class tourism industry together,” he said.
Sidumisile Mabena