Andrew Zhou
Masvingo- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Regional Manager for Masvingo Daniel Mupande has applauded Chesvingo Karanga village as one of the community based tourism enterprises that is playing a key role in conserving local trails as a result of community members’ commitment.
Speaking during a familiarization tour of the Chesvingo-Karanga community projects held on November 2, Mupande said the project is key to conservation while at the same time he thanked Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for assisting the local people financially and with a laptop.
“Chesvingo Karanga village is one of the community based tourism site which is being managed by the villagers and it benefits them through conservation of available trails.
“JICA assists the village with technical assistance where the villagers are educated on community based tourism so that they uplift their lives. JICA also helped with the money for banners and provided a laptop and a tablet for marketing purposes,’’ said Mupande.
Speaking at the same event on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Permanent Secretary Dr Jefta Sakupwanya said the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) currently running since 2021 and will end in 2025, has identified tourism as a major pillar to economic development in the country.
He further said, Masvingo also identified tourism as the key driver of economic development in the province hence there is need to develop it using available natural resources that is animals, water and mountains.
‘’The National development Strategy 1 identifies tourism as one of the anchors underpinning economic revival at national level and for Masvingo province; it is also recognised at provincial level.
‘’This beautiful Chesvingo Karanga village is a welcome development that creates conducive environment for tourism and economic growth for the province,” said Dr Sakupwanya.
Chesvingo Karanga Village Project Chairperson Josias Shuro appealed for a solarized water pump to use at their borehole which was drilled by the help from government.
“The borehole was drilled but it is too far away from the site, so we seek help from government officials to help with a solarised water pump to bring water from the borehole because without water, the project will not develop,” said Shuro.
Shuro further said they need tittle deeds for the site from Masvingo Rural District Council so that they will be not evicted.
“We also want council to give us tittle deeds for the site so that we will not be removed from the place with other people who will come and claim that the place is theirs,” added Shuro.
The Chesvingo Karanga Village was discovered in 1992 by Mabehe in order to reduce hunger and starvation through selling available foods to tourists.
