ZIMBABWE GOVERNMENT FULLY BEHIND DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL TOURISM. DOES THIS SPELL HOPE FOR MANA POOLS?

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Minister Mzembi reads Vice President Hon J. Mujuru's speech at  Pandhari Lodge at  a Sanganai/Hlanganani 2012  cocktail



In a speech read by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Honourable Eng. Walter Mzembi on behalf of the Patron of the Tourism Sector - Honourable Vice President Joice Mujuru at a cocktail hosted by the Vice president for buyers, exhibitors and media at Pandhari Lodge, government reiterated its support for tourism development in the country.

Part of the speech read:
“The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe is fully behind the development of tourism, not only in our nation but also in the region... The strength of tourism as a people-to-people phenomenon that can bring about international understanding cannot be over emphasised.”

The speech went on to mention the great economical potential that the tourism sector bears and its capability to change the fortunes of the country. The notable growth of Sanganai/Hlanganani 2012 by a marked 26% according to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) statistics is indication of the interest that Zimbabwe is generating in former and new source markets.
Some of the V.I.P's at the Vice President's Cocktail

A recent press report indicates that Zimbabwe’s President – Honourable R.G. Mugabe criticised senior officials for invading and grabbing lucrative safari landholdings in the Save Conservancy area.

However, very little has been said about Mana Pools which arguably among the best safari destinations in Africa. Mana Pools is listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site and unfortunately risks losing its world heritage status if the proposed mining activities in the Rukomechi and Chewore areas is granted.

Habbard Investments acquired special grants for the exploration for heavy mineral sands in the Zambezi Valley and engaged an environmental consultancy company – Impact Assessment Consultancy (IMPACO) - to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as required by law.

According to Habbard Investments, the chosen area of about 110 hectares is a potential multi-million dollar earner. Though Habbard Investments did not come out clear on their potential future mining activities, already it is clear that their intentions are to mine right inside the world heritage site that ranks very high on most African excursions. The proposed mining activities seriously threaten the future of Mana Pools.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive – Mr. Karikoga Kaseke contrary to what Habbard Investments might want to portray that their involvement in the Mana Pools is not politically driven -said his hands were tied on this issue as it was political.
“To say the least, I do not want to lie that the Mana Pools saga is near to being settled, but I must say this is a political issue and I have taken at to my minister so that it is addressed at cabinet level. But truly speaking, it is either we have a mine or we retain our world heritage wilderness in Mana Pools,” he said.
ZTA Chief Executive Karikoga Kaseke

Mana Pools is critical to the development of the tourism industry in Zimbabwe and any decisions to be made in this regard must take into consideration that minerals are exhaustible resources.

The United Nation World Tourism Organisation 2013 Congress has been defined by many as the largest diplomatic stride made by the Government of National Unity and the Vice President’s remarks of government supporting tourism should offer some hope for Mana Pools.
 Mr Glen Stutchbury gives vote of thanks

Comments

  1. Unknown31 October 2012 at 09:46

    tourism resources such as the Mana Pools should be managed and used sustainably for the present and the future generations. Minerals will only last for a while and mining impacts negatively on the environment. Tourism depends on the environment and they have a symbiotic relationship. So whatever decision that is going to be taken should consider the future generations to come and how much the heritage site contributes to the tourism industry of our country

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