Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
MATABELELAND North Province is set to experience significant growth in 2025, fuelled by several key development projects, including the completion of Lake Gwayi-Tshangani, Lupane Provincial Hospital and the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, all of which are part of the Second Republic’s signature projects in the province.
The projects are also in line with the development of Lupane as a provincial capital and the movement of all personnel from the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo to operate closer to the people in Lupane.
During the Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference held in Bulawayo last year, a consensus was reached to prioritise the completion of these projects to enhance development in the region.
The conference specifically emphasised the urgency of finalising the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project, which aims at providing reliable water supply to Bulawayo and its surrounding areas, addressing ongoing water shortages faced by the city.
Additionally, officials agreed that there should be a swift completion of the Lupane Provincial Hospital and the overall development of Lupane as the provincial capital of Matabeleland North.
Plans were also discussed for the establishment of a School of Hospitality and Tourism in Victoria Falls.
In an interview, Richard Moyo, the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, confirmed that progress is being made on these projects.
“We discussed these projects at the conference and included them in the national budget for 2025. The completion of the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project is especially critical, as it has already reached 92 percent completion,” he said.
He further indicated that the project could wrap up this year subject to the timely disbursement of funds.
“If we receive the final funds as promised, we anticipate completion this year, given the tremendous progress made so far,” he noted.
Minister Moyo also highlighted advancements made with the provincial offices in Matabeleland North, noting that the movement from Bulawayo to Lupane has commenced with some employees already working from Lupane.
“Most of the offices are functional, with a few personnel yet to transition,” he said.
Regarding the Lupane Provincial Hospital, Minister Moyo acknowledged that challenges related to funding have delayed progress.
“The 2025 budget allocates resources to this project, which is substantial in scale. We expect phase one to be operational this year while work continues on phase two,” he stated.
Beyond these projects, there are numerous devolution initiatives in progress that require completion.
“This year, our focus will be on finalising outstanding projects,” he assured.
The establishment of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Victoria Falls is taking shape.
“Construction of the school, supported by the Government and its partners will begin this year,” he confirmed.
This institution aims to train professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors, leveraging the area’s rich tourism products.
The new school will enhance Victoria Falls’ reputation as a premier destination by providing well-trained personnel and establishing the province as a centre of excellence in tourism.
Regarding infrastructure, the Minister addressed the current challenges faced on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, noting that recent rain has temporarily halted improvements. “We hope to see developments resume this year, making the road more accessible. Currently, efforts are focused on repairing potholes, but once the rains subside, we’ll begin construction of the new road,” he said.
Last November, Cabinet approved the construction of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, awarding the contract to Bitumen World. This project is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in the region by enhancing accessibility for services and providers once the road network is upgraded.
The road will link Victoria Falls, an international tourist hotspot, Hwange National Park and the largest port of entry at Beitbridge. Minister Moyo detailed that the road would undergo reconstruction rather than repair as it was agreed that the old road could not be salvaged.
“This new approach will yield a road with a longer lifespan,” he noted.
With a robust road network in place, an influx of tourists to Hwange and Victoria Falls is expected, leading to increased revenue for the tourism sector. — @NyembeziMu
