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Victoria Falls tourism on the rebound after easing of restrictions

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2022

BY AWAKHIWE KHUMALO

Victoria Falls’ leisure and accommodation facilities recorded 60 percent and above occupancies rates after Zimbabwe started easing of Covid-19 lockdowns last year, it has been revealed.

The resort city’s tourism sector took a battering at the height of the lockdowns, but Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators president Clement Mukwasi told VicFallsLive that international and local source markets were showing a growing appetite for the city’s tourism offerings.

“After the setbacks suffered under the Covid-19 pandemic domestic tourists have started flocking into the destination,” Mukwasi said

“We also have seen that international tourists have started coming to Zimbabwe, particularly Victoria Falls, and most of them are coming from Europe, United State of America, Australia, and United Kingdom and that is boosting the tourism sector.

“We are moving in the right direction although we are still on the road to recovery although our occupancies at the time are offering above 60 percent of the industry in terms of accommodation occupancies and activity consumption.”

He said companies were looking at clawing back the capital that was lost over the two years during the Covid-19 era.

“We hope that this course is going to continue until we recover the lost revenue, capital and lost time, but the outlook is quite good,” Mukwasi added.

“We think that if the bookings that are there continue to go by, we are likely going to record 100 percent occupancies during the festive season”

Asian tourists, however, have not started visiting the destination in numbers since the onset of the pandemic, he said.

“We are also hoping that the Chinese and Japanese markets open up so that we get a complete number of arrivals from all countries,” Mukwasi said.

“We also still have concerns about people from Ukraine and Russia because of the post Covid-19 military conflict that is happening there or whatever is happening there, which has made it hard for people from those areas to travel to Victoria Falls.”

He said apart from pristine leisure, conferencing had also given the destination a lift.

“The government is also flexing its muscles and helping the tourism sector in ways that it can and we are hoping that it will continue with its policy of us having zero percent on capital goods we import as an industry and the value added tax on the activities we offer as that has been a serious enabler,” Mukwasi said.

National

Zimbabwe’s power crisis: A new dawn?

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to alleviate the crippling load shedding that has left Zimbabweans frustrated and angry, ZESA Holdings chairman Sydney Gata has announced a 720-megawatt thermal power project.

This ambitious initiative aims to add much-needed megawatts to the national grid, bringing relief to households and businesses alike.

Speaking at the launch, Gata acknowledged the nation’s pain, saying, “I know you are angry and frustrated about the load shedding. I am tired of being insulted for these power cuts.”he was quoted at a video captured by the Ministry of Information.

His words echoed the sentiments of many Zimbabweans who have grown weary of the constant blackouts.

The project, set to be completed by December 2025, will be complemented by a 200-megawatt solar station and additional solar projects in Selous and Gweru.

This multi-pronged approach is expected to mark the end of load shedding in Zimbabwe.

Gata emphasized that this initiative is one of 18 projects spearheaded by companies in mining, industry, and commerce.

These projects were invited after the Kariba disaster, which highlighted the need for alternative power sources.

National

Victoria Falls mayor suspends town clerk amid corruption allegations

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Moyo has suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube with immediate effect amid allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

According to a letter seen by this publication, Dube’s suspension is in terms of Section 139 of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter 29:15.

The letter, dated November 2, outlines several allegations against Dube, including:

– Allocating stands 9816 and 9945 to Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Saritsozo without following Council procedures

– Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without following tender processes

– Selling and transferring stand 1829 in Chinotimba Township without receiving payment or following procedures

The letter states that these allegations, amongst others, have led to Dube’s suspension, and he is required to leave Council offices immediately.

“The Council will notify you on the way forward,” the letter reads.

This publication will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

National

How long will Zimbabweans endure darkness?

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY FARAI MACHAMIRE

Zimbabweans face at least two more years of power shortages as the government works to stabilize electricity generation and meet demand, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, has revealed.

The country’s daily power generation currently averages 1,232 megawatts (MW) against a demand of 1,735 MW, with imports and load-shedding bridging the shortfall.

Speaking in Parliament (Senate) on Wednesday and quoted on ZimLive, Moyo painted a grim picture of the nation’s energy landscape but assured citizens that ongoing and upcoming projects would eventually close the gap.

“The refurbishment of Hwange Power Station’s Unit 5 will add 160 MW to the national grid by August 2026, helping address the electricity shortfall,” he said. Additionally, Unit 7 at Hwange will undergo maintenance in January 2025 to ensure its long-term efficiency.

Water shortages have further constrained electricity generation at the Kariba Power Station, which produces only 104 MW out of its 1,050 MW capacity due to low water levels.

However, Moyo highlighted a 68.75% increase in water allocation for power generation in 2025, stemming from an anticipated above-normal rainfall season.

“This will significantly increase power availability next year,” he noted.

A recent nationwide blackout on November 24 disrupted the fragile energy system, with power restored after seven hours. The cause of the disturbance is still under investigation.

To mitigate load-shedding, the government plans to rely on Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which currently contribute over 200 MW, and accelerate renewable energy projects like solar farms. Projects such as the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Plant, with a potential capacity of 1,200 MW, and the Devils Gorge Hydro Project, expected to generate 600 MW, are also in development.

“The repowering of Hwange units 1 to 6 over the next 48 to 60 months will restore the station’s capacity to 840 MW, significantly stabilizing the power supply,” Moyo said.

On nuclear energy, the minister disclosed that the government is exploring prospects with Russia’s ROSATOM and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Thirty Zimbabwean students are currently training in nuclear physics abroad as part of the initiative.

Despite these efforts, Moyo acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Without significant interventions, the forecast demand of 1,735 MW will continue to outstrip supply, resulting in ongoing load curtailment,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s path to reliable electricity hinges on the successful completion of these projects and the implementation of efficient energy policies. For now, the nation must brace for continued power outages.

The prolonged outages, now extending to 18-hours a day, have taken a toll on households and industries, affecting productivity and increasing operational costs for businesses reliant on backup power. Critics argue that the government’s reliance on imports and promises of future projects have not eased the immediate burden on citizens.

SOURCE: ZIMLIVE