Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction at the Mosi-oa-
Tunya International Cricket Oval in Victoria Falls, saying the facility is on track to meet its set deadlines with work already at an advanced stage.
VP Mohadi toured the facility yesterday, accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Lt Gen (Rtd) Anselm Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai
Mnangagwa, Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Trust executives and other senior Government officials to have an appreciation of the works.
In his remarks, the Vice President said he was amazed by the remarkable transformation on site since his last visit in 2024 when there was nothing on the ground.
“We came here with President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga in 2024 when there was nothing here. I did not expect to see such kind of development within this short space of time,” he said.
“What they are promising us is that by May next year we can be commissioning this place; I do believe,” said VP Mohadi.
“Because everything has been done. The grounds are done except that here and there where there are sort of depressions and all the like. They are filling that. The buildings themselves, most of them, as you can see, they are at beam level. So, when the roofs come, they can be hoisted any time and then we are good to go.”
The Vice President said the tour was meant to dispel any negative perceptions about the project’s progress.
“So, definitely we are good to go. We want to dispel the notion that nothing is happening here,” he said.
Zimbabwe Cricket Board chairperson, Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlani, who accompanied the delegation, confirmed that the facility is at an advanced stage with the main pitch now 95 percent complete.
“The brickwork on the outbuildings is almost done. We are waiting for the materials that should be arriving in the country. We are also expecting the pre-fabricated steel roofing material as well as the various brass and aluminium fittings,” said Mr Mukuhlani.
“So, from the construction side, we have covered a lot of ground. What’s remaining now are the fittings and the loose furniture. By December we should have a complete stadium, and early next year it should host its first international match,” he said.
Mr Mukuhlani reaffirmed that the facility will be completed by December and ready for commissioning in May next year, with the centre wicket now around 95 percent ready, the 30-yard circle 90 percent complete, and the outfield at 70 percent.
Minister Sanyatwe said the project perfectly illustrates the development philosophy of the Second Republic under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa.
“This project reflects Government’s commitment to investing in strategic infrastructure that stimulates economic growth, creates employment opportunities, attracts investment and improves the quality of life of our people,” said Minister Sanyatwe.
He said the strategic location of the facility in Victoria Falls significantly enhances its value.
“As one of the world’s foremost tourism destinations, Victoria Falls provides the ideal setting for a facility of this magnitude. Beyond hosting international cricket, this venue has the potential to become a premier destination for conferences, exhibitions, cultural festivals, concerts and other major events, thereby strengthening sports tourism, creating employment and stimulating local economic growth,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said the facility is set to boost tourism and is the anchor of their broader Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is expected to enhance Victoria Falls into a world-class tourism destination.
He said the Masuwe SEZ masterplan includes a convention centre, luxury hotels and villas, a golf estate, a medical tourism centre, a commercial CBD, an international services centre, and upmarket residential developments.
The 10 000-seater multi-purpose stadium, also known as the Victoria Falls Multi-purpose Cricket Ground, is being developed at a cost of between US$5 million and US$10 million, funded primarily through grants from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The modern facility will feature a professional playing field, three grandstands, a Northern Media Centre, Gym and Practice nets, Corporate boxes, Media and Anti-doping Centre, a VIP Pavilion,
Southern Media Centre, Players and umpires’ pavilion.
The facility is designed to accommodate rugby, hockey, netball and other sporting disciplines, positioning Victoria Falls as a regional hub for sports tourism.
The stadium will be one of the main hosting venues for the ICC World Cup 2027.
