New era unfolds at Hwange National Park with US$1,4m one-stop pavilion

THE construction of the US$1,4 million one-stop access pavilion at the Hwange National Park entrance is nearing completion, with the project at over 65 per cent completion.

This development was highlighted by Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni during a post-Cabinet briefing.

The pavilion, a collaboration between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) and the International Fund for Wildlife Welfare (Ifaw), aims to enhance the visitor experience and wildlife protection.

“Construction of the Hwange one-stop pavilion for wildlife information and services is more than 65 percent complete.

“The pavilion will replace the current boom gate and will feature a visitor centre, tourism office, car park, housing for wildlife rangers and a craft shop,” said Dr Nyoni.

It will also include a high-security checkpoint with smart technology cameras to combat illegal hunting and trafficking. This initiative addresses the previous lack of visibility and marketing for the 15,000-square-kilometre game park.

Construction has progressed to the roofing stage, with the majority of brickwork completed. The pavilion, located near the railway line at the park’s boundary, will consist of two semi-circle buildings facing each other with an entrance gate joining them. Additionally, two rangers’ houses will be built nearby.

The project, contracted to local company Mak Bokano, aligns with the “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra and contributes to the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030. Since the partnership between Zimparks and Ifaw began in 2019, Hwange National Park has received approximately US$3 million in support, benefiting various park infrastructure and community projects.

Ifaw, a global non-profit operating in 40 countries, partners with local communities, governments, NGOs, and businesses to promote coexistence between animals and people. The pavilion’s construction is part of the Hwange National Park investment plan to boost tourism in line with Vision 2030

The pavilion will change the face of the game park and promote it as a must-visit tourism destination.

On site, there will be a superstructure on either side of the road which is now going to roof level. The rangers’ house is also at roof level as contractors target to meet the set June deadline.

According to a progress report by the contractors, work on the roof is to start immediately.

“The majority of the brickwork has been finished and we are now going to start working on the roof,” read the brief report.

Former Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu presided over the ground-breaking last year in October.

Ifaw has said the pavilion is a partial fulfilment of the Hwange National Park investment plan and will promote tourism in line with Vision 2030.

Zimparks is tasked with the protection, management, and administration of wildlife in Zimbabwe and the partnership with Ifaw has supported several projects including the construction of a new camp at Makona, scooping of Nyamandlovu Pan, which is a critical waterhole for wildlife and key tourist attraction, upgrading of Mandabvu picnic site, and refurbishment of accommodation lodges at Hwange Main Camp,

It also includes the rehabilitation of a 90km road stretch into the park, upgrading the Zimparks veterinary centre, and renovating the Dete Old People’s Home, among other projects.—@ncubeleon