Staff Reporter
A Chinese company has embarked on the construction of a US$10 million hotel in Redcliff, a development set to transform the local tourism and hospitality landscape of the Midlands Province.
The project is a direct result of Zimbabwe's flourishing bilateral relations with China and Government's pro-investment policies under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
The ambitious hotel development, spearheaded by Zhong Jin International Hotel, is expected to breathe a new life into Redcliff, a town that has struggled economically since the closure of ZISCO Steel.
During a tour of the facility yesterday, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, hailed the project as a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe's business climate.
He praised the Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investment, stressing the importance of the hotel project in boosting the province’s economic prospects.
"Under President Mnangagwa's leadership, the Second Republic has made addressing community challenges a priority. Local authorities are working hard to improve the ease of doing business and enhance service delivery. This hotel project is a strong testament to the investor confidence that Zimbabwe’s pro-business policies are generating," Minister Ncube said.
The Minister further noted that the hotel is one of several key investments in the Midlands Province, signalling the success of Government's industrialization and re-industrialization initiatives.
Managing Director of Zhong Jin International Hotel, Yolo Chen expressed his gratitude for the favourable investment climate in Zimbabwe.
He underscored his company’s commitment to delivering a world-class facility while also contributing to the local economy.
"I have been in Zimbabwe since last October, residing in Kwekwe. My father and I are building this hotel, which will not only provide jobs for the local community but will also bring high-quality hospitality services to the region. We are thankful to President Mnangagwa for the opportunity to invest in this wonderful country," Chen said.
The hotel, once completed, will feature 46 rooms, a casino, a shopping mall, and three conference rooms, making it one of the premier hospitality establishments in the Midlands Province.
Local residents, who have already begun benefiting from the project, welcomed the investment.
Tendai Muradzi, a Redcliff resident, highlighted the impact it has had on the community.
"This investment has brought job creation and hope to our town. Since the closure of ZISCO Steel, Redcliff has struggled, but now, with the hotel construction, we are seeing real opportunities for employment. We are thankful to the President for facilitating such projects that uplift our lives," Muradzi said.
The US$10 million hotel joins a growing list of high-profile investments in the Midlands, which has experienced a notable economic upturn.
According to ZIMSTAT, the province now boasts the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate in the country, at 11 percent, a reflection of the Government's successful economic policies.
