Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS in Matabeleland North have welcomed the Conceptual Development Framework for the Victoria Falls-Binga Special Economic Zone (Sez) by Government saying integrating economic activities will catapult growth and improve livelihoods in the province.
The Government recently approved the Victoria Falls-Binga Sez framework to be spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Development Agency. The Sez will capacitate tourism, agriculture and mining as it includes integration of the natural environment, current ecotourism activities and requirements of the World Heritage Status while also enhancing tourism products and integrating other activities such as mining and irrigation in Binga and Hwange Districts.
According to the framework, 10 nodes were identified within the Victoria Falls-Binga Sez namely: Victoria Falls Municipality area, Jafuta (Masuwe) State land, Batoka Town, Mlibizi Resort, Binga Centre, Sijalila Resort, Binga hinterland, Gwayi-Shangani Dam Resort, Hwange Town, and Hwange Aerodrome Centre.
In the selected areas, Government plans to develop integrated resorts, a research, innovation and educational parks, power generation and aquaculture, development of beaches in Binga, world class golf course, recreational theme parks, upmarket houses, state-of-the-art civic centres and redevelopment of the residential area in Victoria Falls, as well as building an airport in Binga.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Richard Moyo said this means there is no marginalisation in the country, with Binga set to get major developments.
“This is a welcome development which will put Binga on the spotlight and promote growth as investors will put money in tourism activities there. We want to thank President Mnangagwa and Cabinet for putting Matabeleland North on the same map with other provinces which shows that there is no marginalisation.
“Things are moving in the province, recently we launched a Community Information Centre in Victoria Falls and another one in Hwange last Thursday. The President also launched the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy and all this boosts confidence and projects in the province and means development. We promise to work hard and not to let Government down as we move to meet our 2030 target,” said Minister Moyo.
The province has a twining arrangement with Namibia’s southern region of Amaheke and Minister Moyo said engagements will resume soon after Covid-19 lockdown. The Sez will benefit downstream and outlying economic activities. Employers Association for the Tourism and Safari Operators president Mr Clement Mukwasi said the Sez will result in increased room capacity in the province thereby enhancing Victoria Falls as an international destination.
“This development is in accord with the recently launched recovery and growth plan for the industry. The connection between Victoria Falls, rural and environmental tourism is going to make Matabeleland North the centre of excellence when it comes to tourism. Hotels are going to be developed thereby increasing room capacity of the province. Binga has been a sleeping giant and its growth will see Zimbabwe having beach tourism and increase activity options for tourists. Currently there is no theme park in Victoria Falls hence we welcome every bit of it,” said Mr Mukwasi.
He implored Government to forge partnerships and joint ventures with the private sector for these plans to be attainable.
Zimbabwe’s tourism largely hinges on wildlife, with Hwange and Binga Districts home to the large populations of animals in the Hwange, Victoria Falls, Chamabondo, Zambezi and Chizarira National Parks.
Ecologist and wildlife farmer Mr Mark Russell who is Gwayi Valley Conservation Area chairman said game ranching can also be implemented within some communities which is a positive development for the region.
“The wildlife industry in the region can grow exponentially due to the Sez status. This will in turn stimulate the development of other industries and activities. The pillars mentioned if practised by the private wildlife sector can make a significant contribution to conservation which is increasingly difficult for many governments the world over given the high costs associated with biodiversity conservation.
“The integration of tourism with other economies needs serious careful consideration, approaches and detailed scientific research. Science should influence the final decisions as our region lies in sensitive environmental setting. The private wildlife sector can contribute and benefit from game ranching as the environmental setting for such is just naturally perfect in the region,” said Mr Russell.
He said the private wildlife sector will also be capacitated to do game breeding and rare endangered species, hunting for both trophies and meat, ecotourism wildlife tourism activities, processed game products and research. — @ncubeleon
Bongani Ndlovu