Sport Reporter
President Mnangagwa will lay the foundation stone which will mark the commencement of the construction of an international cricket stadium in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Victoria Falls.
In a post cabinet press briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere informed that President Mnangagwa will lay the foundation stone to mark the beginning of the construction.
“His Excellency the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa will lay the foundation stone to mark the commencement of the construction of the international cricket stadium,” said Minister Muswere.
The Minister added that Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) was given 10 hectares to construct the stadium to be used for the hosting of the joint 2026 and 2027 Cricket World Cup.
“Zimbabwe Cricket was allocated 10 hectares of land for the construction of an international cricket stadium and ancillary facilities in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone for tourism and the stadium will be used in the hosting of the 2026 and 2027 Cricket World Cup Jointly with South Africa and Namibia,” added the Minister.
The project is earmarked to be one of the biggest contributors towards the US$5 billion Tourism and Hospitality Industry by 2025, as well as the development and expansion of sports infrastructure in the country. Tourism ranked number three after mining and agriculture, accounting for 12% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the January and September 2023 period.
Furthermore, the Minister pointed out that the construction of the cricket stadium will create training and employment opportunities.
“The construction of the cricket facilities and associated infrastructure will also create training and employment opportunities for communities in Victoria Falls,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, under the Integrated Tourism Resort initiative, sustainable tourism will be promoted in line with the United Nations Tourism ethos. The diverse tourism business facilities in the resort town are expected to blend with the natural environment.
