Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
A MASSIVE renovation project is underway at Mutare Sports Club, the venue scheduled to host the upcoming Sanganai’Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
During a visit to the site earlier this week, our news crew observed over 80 skilled workers, including carpenters and bricklayers, actively engaged in demolition, rehabilitation, and construction work.
The renovations aim to accommodate the expected influx of guests at the global event, which will attract more than 400 buyers, investors, local and foreign media representatives from over a dozen countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, the US, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Italy, and Switzerland.
This year’s edition marks the 18th anniversary of the Expo.
The iconic venue is undergoing a significant transformation, with substantial portions of the facility being demolished or extensively rehabilitated.
Renovation work is in progress on the sports site’s flooring, previously occupied by tennis and basketball courts.
New ablution blocks are being constructed near the sports site and adjacent to the main rugby arena.
The traditional kitchen auditorium is being rebuilt from scratch, while the tennis court, bar, kitchen, pavilion, and parking areas are all being revamped.
Additional new buildings are being erected as extensions to the main bar and ablution blocks.
Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge confirmed that renovations at Mutare Sports Club are underway to give the venue a modern facelift.
“It’s all systems go. Mutare Sports Club is undergoing a significant transformation, with major renovations to the changing rooms, restaurants, and other facilities. Some structures will be demolished and rebuilt to meet the high standards we expect. We are pleased with the progress so far, and we anticipate that the facilities will be ready for use by the end of August,” said Mr Maronge.
Local companies have been engaged in the reconstruction and rehabilitation exercise.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) will conduct inspections of hotels and lodges, providing critical observations and advice to owners.
Mr Maronge added that the extensive rehabilitation of key infrastructure, tourism sites, and hospitality facilities is also extending to major tourism sites and roads leading to them.
Notably, the Hot Springs in Chimanimani and the iconic Nyachowa Falls are scheduled to commence renovations by the end of this month.
This year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo will mark its debut outside Bulawayo, with Manicaland pledging to deliver a flawless event, showcasing its majestic, mountainous, and picturesque province to international visitors.
The event is expected to boost the Eastern Highlands’ tourism profile.
“Provincial infrastructure, particularly roads leading to various tourist facilities and within Mutare, will also undergo significant renovations. Several roads have been earmarked for rehabilitation, and this work will be completed before the event. 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 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. 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,” said Mr Maronge, while encouraging Mutare residents with suitable accommodation to offer their homes to visitors as some guests prefer them over traditional hotels.
Those keen to avail private accommodations should register with the ZTA to receive guidance on enhancing the facilities.
