Rutendo Nyeve
A US$260 million mixed-use development set to transform the Victoria Falls City Council offices and Rest Camp site into a commercial and civic hub was officially launched on Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony.
The project, being undertaken through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the City of Victoria Falls and Cardinal Corporation, will combine a new Civic Centre, a 700-room hotel, a shopping mall, conferencing facilities and public spaces.
The two parties have established a special purpose vehicle, Khula Developments, to implement the project under a hybrid Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe led the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by senior Government officials, traditional leaders, councillors, development partners and business leaders.
Minister Garwe said the occasion marked more than the start of construction, but represented a shared commitment to building a modern, prosperous and globally competitive Victoria Falls.
“The Civic Centre is a strategic investment that will strengthen local governance and provide a modern facility befitting Victoria Falls’ stature,” he said.
He said the project dovetailed with Vision 2030, implemented through the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), and the Government’s 100-Day Cycle Programmes.
Minister Garwe said Zimbabwe’s assumption of the COMESA Chairpersonship, which brings together 21 member states, made Victoria Falls a strategic economic gateway and conference destination.
“This Civic Centre will host COMESA business forums, investment conferences and trade facilitation meetings. It positions the city to attract regional investment, boost cross-border tourism, enhance value chains for SMEs and create jobs,” he said.
He also said Victoria Falls International Airport would be a key host and transit point for fans and teams during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.
“Let us use the World Cup as a deadline and catalyst to ensure that the city is world class by 2027,” he said.
Khula Developments board chairman Herbert Nkala described the groundbreaking ceremony as an important milestone.
“We are laying the foundation for Khula, a new heart for Victoria Falls and a legacy for generations to come,” he said.
Mr Nkala said the development would include a new Civic Centre, a 700-room hotel, a shopping and commercial destination, modern conferencing facilities, improved public spaces and parking.
The project is expected to create between 2 000 and 4 000 jobs, while Cardinal Corporation will also construct two classroom blocks at Mosi-oa-Tunya 2 High School as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
The entire development is expected to take eight years to complete, with the Civic Centre scheduled for completion within 24 months.
Mr Nkala said the project journey began in December 2019 when the council invited investors to develop the Rest Camp land, but progress was subsequently delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube said the groundbreaking ceremony fulfilled a long-standing development dream, tracing the city’s governance journey from a Village Management Board in 1960 to city status in 2020.
“The Civic Centre will modernise council operations, improve access to municipal services and contribute to urban renewal,” he said.
The wider development is expected to stimulate investment and strengthen Victoria Falls’ position as a leading tourism destination in Africa and beyond.
