Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
CONSTRUCTION of a US$1,4 million state-of-the-art one-stop access pavilion has commenced at the Hwange National Park and is expected to set the tone for a major facelift that will improve the visitors’ experience, enhance security and help reposition the park as a competitive and must-visit destination.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday and said the development was one of the flagship projects undertaken by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) under the US$50 million partnership.
Minister Ndlovu said he was grateful for the Zimparks-IFAW conservation partnership and the collaborative efforts which have resulted in the accomplishment of the work. He said the development of a state-of-the-art one-stop access pavilion would enhance the conservation and management efforts at the national park.
“The construction of this pavilion will enhance conservation and management of Hwange National Park to sustain the desired state of the wilderness qualities and the resource values for the benefit of the present and future generations. When we talk about protected area management effectiveness and report to multilateral agreements to which we are signatories, it is such high impact projects that continue to raise our country’s flag.
“I am confident that Zimbabwe will sustain its position as a world leader in nature conservation. To IFAW, we look forward to working with you, recognising that the partnership is rolled over. I thank you and wish you the best as you continue engaging with Zimparks,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said the groundbreaking ceremony brought greater clarity and build stronger partnerships on the steps that could be taken to ensure development and co-operation plays a more strategic and effective role in Zimbabwe’s tourism growth.
“It is imperative that we reflect also on Zimbabwe’s steadily rising tourism performance and foster sustainable development in the region. With international tourist arrivals growing by seven percent in the region, Zimbabwe is one of the fastest growing tourism industries in the region,” said Minister Ndlovu.
IFAW country director Ms Alleta Nyahuye expressed their commitment towards improving the national park for the benefit of both the people and animals.
“As IFAW we believe in co-creation and co-design of solutions. This is one of the Hwange National Park investment plan’s partial fulfilment in terms of tourism development. We are excited that together we are going to build a better home for the people and the animals and that our tourism will be improved greatly in line with Vision 2030,” said Ms Nyahuye.
Zimparks Director-General Dr Fulton Mangwanya expressed his gratitude towards their partnership with IFAW saying it had improved visitor experience in the park. He said the construction of the one-stop access pavilion was a befitting development for the national park.
“Ever since we entered into a partnership with IFAW, we have seen serious development in Hwange National Park. The development that we witnessed today is going to put the park on the world map. You might be reminded that this is the biggest park in the country, the second largest park in Southern Africa after Kruger National Park in South Africa and as such it deserves that kind of recognition. We want to extend our gratitude towards IFAW for improving our park,” said Dr Mangwanya.
He said the architectural designs of the project started back in 2019 with the Federal Republic of Germany supporting the development of the designs through the German Development Bank (KfW) under the KAZA TFCA SWAP Project facilitated through WWE. The project went through the tender process which was awarded to Mak Bokano Contracting.
“It has a total value of US$1,4 million with US$450 000 already invested in the project. It is being supervised by Hwange Rural District Council. The project will also include construction of housing for the tourism unit with a total of two semi-detached units and one management unit. The contractor commenced work on the ground in June this year and is expected to complete the project by the end of June next year. We are currently starting the sub-structure having completed the earth works,” said Dr Mangwanya.
He said the benefits to be derived from the project include employment creation through recruitment of locals during construction while it would enable Zimparks to fully implement its automation system and minimise any pilferages.
“This will greatly increase the visibility of Hwange National Park, improve the visitor experience, enhance security and help reposition the park within the KAZA transfrontier conservation area,” said Dr Mangwanya. — @nyeve14
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo