Kariba’s potential as a premier tourist destination continues to be undermined by poor road infrastructure, with stakeholders raising concerns over government neglect.
The issue took centre stage during the Mashonaland West Provincial Investment Conference, which concluded on Friday.
Local business leaders, politicians, and residents lamented the prolonged delays in rehabilitating the Harare-Chirundu highway, a critical artery for the region.
Cephas Shonhiwa, a representative of the Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba (KTBI), emphasized that road connectivity is the backbone of Kariba’s economy.
"Connectivity is an issue that must be tackled head-on," Shonhiwa said.
"Currently, 70% of our visitors rely on road transport, and 65% of those are domestic tourists who are heavily affected by the poor state of the highways.
“The remaining 30%—international visitors—also face challenges due to the lack of scheduled flights, leaving only expensive charter options that drive up costs."
Beyond transportation woes, Shonhiwa also highlighted accommodation shortages, further deterring tourism growth.
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Senator James Gumbo echoed these concerns, describing Kariba as a town in crisis.
"For the past 20 years, Kariba’s decline has been evident,” Gumo said.
“Despite numerous efforts, most revival plans remain unrealized.
“We must collaborate to turn things around, and I hope this conference marks a turning point.”
Mashonaland West’s acting provincial director for the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, Elyson Chigerwe, pointed to the absence of a cultural centre as another missed opportunity.
"A revived cultural hub would preserve our heritage while boosting tourism revenue. We risk losing out on showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich diversity to the world," he added.
The two-day investment indaba, now in its third edition, brought together local authorities, government officials, and private sector players.
Sponsors included CAG Travellers, Padenga and Mutapa Investment Fund, among others.
As stakeholders push for urgent infrastructure upgrades, the future of Kariba, once a thriving resort town, hangs in the balance.
