George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
THE €3 million Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site development project is edging towards completion, with construction of a new visitors’ centre expected to be finalised before year-end, marking the culmination of a transformative initiative set to redefine the historic tourist attraction.
President Mnangagwa launched the three-year Great Zimbabwe Monument Development Project in June 2022.
Funded by the French Development Agency and partners, the project aims to preserve and safeguard the heritage site for future generations.
The initiative is being implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in collaboration with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ).
There is also additional support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Upon completion, the upgraded site is expected to attract more visitors through enhanced facilities that meet international standards.
This aligns with the Second Republic’s drive to boost tourism as a key pillar of economic growth.
Masvingo plans to grow its provincial gross domestic product (GDP) to US$8 billion by 2030, with tourism expected to significantly contribute towards the target.
As part of the project, construction of a world-class visitors’ centre is set to be completed by the end of next month.
The centre includes a new main entrance lined with dry stone walls, modern car park, reception area and restaurant to offer visitors a grand welcome.
NMMZ Masvingo regional director Mr Lovemore Mandima confirmed progress on the site.
“There is a contractor on the ground currently working on a visitors’ centre and there is also ongoing reconstruction work on the main entrance, where dry stone walls are being erected. All things being equal, we expect all the works to be completed before the end of this year.”
Following its launch, the Great Zimbabwe Development Project went through inception and validation phases that were completed in the first quarter of 2023, before rehabilitation and upgrading works commenced.
Key areas of focus include conservation and documentation, visitor facilitation, marketing and construction of the visitors’ centre.
A new Shona cultural village has also been established within the monument, showcasing handicrafts and artefacts that reflect the culture and traditions of the early Shona people who built Great Zimbabwe.
It replaces a similar structure destroyed by fire many years ago.
The project also seeks to benefit surrounding communities that are culturally connected to the site and earn livelihoods through selling artefacts, crafts and performing traditional dances for tourists.
The Great Zimbabwe Monument, built around the 12th century during the height of the Munhumutapa Empire, was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986.
It remains the largest ancient dry-stone structure in Africa.
The country’s name is derived from the monument.
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