By A Correspondent

The plan to develop a new Central Business District (CBD) in Masvingo City, while seemingly a promising and logical initiative, is already facing challenges as Zanu PF heavyweights position themselves to claim the land designated for the project.

Masvingo City is set to begin developing the new CBD in August this year.

The new district will be built on a 24-hectare piece of land situated between Ndarama High School and Mucheke River.

It will also stretch from the area near the Benjamin Burombo Government building to Old Railways, located in the southeast of the current CBD.

The new development will effectively divide Masvingo City by Mucheke River, one of the main tributaries of Lake Mutirikwi.

This expansion of the CBD is part of the city’s 20-year master plan, which outlines its growth trajectory through to 2040, with aspirations of becoming an industrialized metropolitan by 2030.

The move to develop the new CBD comes in response to the growing demand for commercial stands within the city.

The area will feature shopping malls and a hotel, overlooking the newly refurbished Masvingo-Beitbridge highway.

However, a local councillor, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed concerns about the project being hijacked by Zanu PF heavyweights.

“The whole project has been seized by Zanu PF heavyweights. On paper, it’s a good idea, but in reality, Zanu PF land barons have already taken control of it,” the councillor stated.