Nobleman Runyanga
The tourism industry in Binga, Matabeleland North Province, is set to be boosted as the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) has announced plans to build a hotel and conference centre on the shores on the Zambezi River.
This was announced by the financial institution in a request for expressions of interest for joint venture partnership notice for the project which it published this week.
“The Bank seeks to engage credible investor(s) and partners to develop an upmarket 32-bed hotel and conference centre accommodating at least 100 guests on a 6 ha piece of land overlooking the Zambezi River,” read part of the notice.
The project, when completed, would complement a prestigious housing estate which is part of the development.
“The site for the hotel and conference centre is part of a proposed ultra-low density housing scheme with a magnificent view of the mighty Zambezi River and is adjacent to a built-up area already serviced with electricity and water. The site is envisaged to be a tourism gateway and a centre of leisure activities such as fishing and boat cruising,” explained the bank.
The project is a partnership between the local authority and the financial institution.
“The proposed hotel is an intervention by the bank in partnership with (the) Binga Rural District Council to improve the delivery of tourism accommodation and enhance economic growth in the district,” indicated the bank.
IDBZ pointed out that it would not be involved in the operations of the hotel project.
“The bank as a development finance institution will not be actively involved in the day to day operations of the facilities but will cede that function to a reputable operator who may be the joint venture partner or some other operator sourced by the joint venture partner,” said the IDBZ.
The project ties in perfectly with Government’s devolution thrust which seeks to benefit local people from the exploitation of natural resources and opportunities in their localities. It is set to improve the local people’s lives through employment creation and opportunities to supply goods and services to the facility once it is operational.
