Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mashonaland West Bureau
A CONSORTIUM of local investors, with a footprint in high-end property development, is set to develop self-contained tourism facilities on the shores of Mazvikadei Dam.
Completion of the project is expected to add more accommodation stock in Mashonaland West province, which will host the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo in 2027.
The facility, complete with a 5 000-seater conference centre, hotel, chalets, a golf course and an aerodrome among others, is expected to be a game-changer in tourism with world-class amenities.
Working with community members through a joint venture arrangement, the project is set to create employment and transform tourism in Mazvikadei.
Known as the Leisure Peninsula Resort, preliminary stages of the project have started with landscaping for an events hosting centre.
The consortium has constructed the Jacobs Park in Borrowdale, comprising 30 self-contained apartments and 20 shops through converting residential properties into a gated community with onsite solar power generation.
Excess power is being fed into the national grid. Now, the consortium wants to set up a mega project of similar quality and scope.
Regulatory processes to see through the establishment of the project are underway.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo and representatives of Government departments, including the Surveyor-General’s Office, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, toured the Mazvikadei project site and the Jacobs Park to appreciate its scope.
The departments sought to find potential areas that may affect the smooth implementation of the project.
Project manager and developer Engineer John Mberi said the project has a two-year implementation plan, once all regulatory processes have been completed.
“We have a plan for a self-contained tourism facility with a 5000-seater conference centre, a hotel, chalets, sports facilities, a golf course and an aerodrome among other amenities of high quality,” said Eng Mberi.
“With Mashonaland West province expected to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo in 2027, we want the facilities to play a key role and also help transform Mazvikadei and the community.”
Headman Shine Jenami, who is also part of the project, said it would transform the Mazvikadei area, Zvimba District and Mashonaland West province.
“Everything in terms of mobilisation of resources is in place. What is now needed is to secure long-term title to the land beyond what was initially offered,” said Headman Jenami.
Minister Chombo welcomed the development, saying it fitted into Government’s rural industrialisation agenda.
“We are excited by this development as it fits into various development aspirations we have as a nation, including ensuring everyone, everywhere develops at the same pace,” she said.
“As Government, we are thankful for such an initiative and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this project becomes a success.”
She commended the investors for involving the community at every stage of the project.
Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry provincial manager Mr Elyson Chigerwe said the Government’s thrust was to fully utilise water bodies in developing tourism products.
