Staff Reporter

Kanyemba Border Post located in Mbire District in Mashonaland Central has been identified as one of the major drivers to economic development and soon to be developed into a smart city.

Speaking at the post cabinet briefing yesterday, Minster of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services informed the nation that Kanyemba Border had been identified as one of the potential drivers of Vision 2030. About 1600 hectares of land was also set aside for irrigation schemes.

"The nation is being informed that Kanyemba Border Post in Mbire District of Mashonaland Central has been identified as one of the potential drivers of Vision 2030 in the province.  A total of 1 600 hectares has been set aside for urban development, while some land has been set aside for communal and commercial irrigation schemes", said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Minister Mutsvangwa further advised the nation that the development of Kanyemba would be anchored on four pillars which are also key drivers to the economy of Zimbabwe.

 "The development of Kanyemba will be anchored on four pillars, namely agriculture, tourism, international trade and service industry," said Minister Mutsvangwa.

 The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has been working with stakeholders in the production of detailed layout designs after the deployment of new survey technology by the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA).  The designs provide for animal corridors within both the irrigation schemes and urban areas to allow for the free passage of wildlife.

Minister Mutsvangwa further noted that the Kanyemba Border Post development framework is based on the smart city and ecocity concepts. This provides for institutional, commercial, administrative and recreational facilities for game corridors.

"The Kanyemba Border Post Development plan is based on smart city and ecocity concepts and provides for institutional, commercial, administrative, hospitality, smart mobility, mainstream residential and recreational facilities as well as conservation areas and game corridors.

“Going forward, no new land allocations and developments will be allowed at Kanyemba Border Post, and an Implementation Agency will be constituted to assist Mbire Rural District Council in the implementation of the envisaged smart city", said Minister Mutsvangwa.

• Meanwhile, the Second Republic is engaging in major infrastructural development at Forbes Boarder Post. Cabinet also approved the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and River Bridge Consortium on the Design, Build, Operate and Transfer of a new bridge at Beitbridge Border Post.