HARARE – Following Government’s approval of the Integrated Development Programme in August this year for the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the committee tasked with formulating an implementation matrix has since identified a consortium that will prepare the blue-print.
Speaking during a post Cabinet meeting media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo had briefed Cabinet on progress to date regarding the project and the tripartite committee responsible is currently working on implementation modalities.
“Cabinet was briefed by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works on the progress made in the planning and development of the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga Special Economic Zone.
“A Committee comprising the Ministers of Local Government and Public Works, and Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry together with the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) were directed to come up with an implementation matrix.
“The Committee has since identified a Consortium to prepare a visual blue print for the area,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa added that the Victoria Falls Development Programme will entail the upgrading of the Municipality to City status, and improved land utilisation and modernisation, which should unlock land for new investment.
In August, Government hinted that under this SEZ, the nation would see at least three beaches in the Binga area , top class golf course, an airport and theme parks among a host of other developments.
On the other hand, there are various big projects currently in motion in Hwange which include three power generation plants, five coal mines, four coking mines and one colliery which will subsequently see expansion of Hwange Town so that it will be able to accommodate an increased workforce in the mining town.
