A LAWMAKER is pushing the government to harness the tourism potential of marginalised districts such as Binga, where people are living in poverty despite the area being endowed with rich natural resources.
Speaking in the National Assembly recently, Binga South legislator Fannel Cumanzala said Binga district, located along Lake Kariba in the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area, is rich in natural and cultural attractions such as hot springs, Zimbabwe’s only sand beach, diverse wildlife and BaTonga heritage.
He said the district’s tourism potential remained largely untapped due to poor infrastructure, limited investment and weak marketing.
Cumanzala said with proper development and promotion, Binga could become a leading tourism hub that boosted economic growth and preserved culture.
“Despite this potential, tourism in Binga remains underdeveloped due to poor infrastructure, limited marketing and inadequate investment,” he said.
Cumanzala said Binga was a hidden tourism jewel whose full potential remained untapped, adding that by investing in infrastructure, promoting its unique assets and empowering communities, the government could transform Binga into a competitive tourism destination that drove inclusive economic growth, preserved culture and enhanced Zimbabwe’s tourism brand.
Cumanzala asked Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Barbara Rwodzi to inform the House on the progress made, if any, towards the promotion of Binga as a tourist destination.
“I am sure the minister has done a good job in marketing Binga. Even in this House, we are going to have local tourists coming to Binga.
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“The minister touched on the issue of accessibility, which is a very big issue and obviously this requires a whole-of-government approach as she indicated,” he said.
Cumanzala said Rwodzi mentioned flying to Binga and also cited the Karoi-Binga Road, which had been under construction for some years.
Cumanzala asked if government had immediate plans for the rehabilitation of the Binga Centre-Cross Dete Road.
“To the Minister of Health and Child Care, they may explain why Binga district mortuary has not been operational for more than eight months and to explain if there are any long-term plans to resolve the challenge,” he said.
Cumanzala asked the Local Government and Public Works minister to explain why the majority of village heads in Binga South have not received their allowances despite fulfilling all the requirements.
Rwodzi said the government had rehabilitated the Binga Aerodrome which now has a 1,1 kilometre runway capable of handling up to six small aircraft daily.
“Mobile network coverage improved (with) Econet and NetOne boosters installed in key areas,” she said.
Rwodzi said the hosting of international influencers from Dubai in 2024, who extended their stay due to interest in BaTonga culture and produced a film aired on Dubai TV, boosted Binga’s visibility abroad.
“Domestic tourism campaign — ZIMBHO — was launched in Binga to showcase its unique attractions. White sandy beaches, hot springs are being marketed for medical tourism, including Zambezi River activities, wildlife and beautiful scenery,” she said.
Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora said the Binga district mortuary, which had been out of service, was repaired in July this year.
“It subsequently developed another fault, which was promptly attended to by our technical team. I am pleased to report to this august House that the mortuary is currently functional and available for use by the community.
“The ministry remains committed to ensuring continued maintenance and timely interventions to guarantee reliable service at this important facility,” he said.
