Nyamhunga market to change face of tourism in Kariba

KARIBA Municipality needs an additional $7 million from Government to complete the spacious Nyamhunga People’s Market, which is expected to change the face of the tourist resort.

The project is being financed from the funds that the local authority received under devolution.

Most of the foundational work has been completed and steel materials for the superstructure have been partially installed.

Initially, the project encountered delays owing to lockdown restrictions, closure of the country’s borders and erosion of the $9 million reserved for the project due to inflation.

Projections were that the market would be complete in three months, but initial resistance from vendors over perceived insincerity on the part of council in moving them to another location caused some delays.

Vendors felt that they were being moved to another site to pave way for a supermarket chain.

Kariba Municipality housing and community services director, Mr Godfrey Magijani said everything was on course, but additional funds were needed to complete the market.

“Construction of the Nyamhunga People’s market is progressing well, but there is need for additional funding after what we got from Government was eroded by inflation,” said Mr Magijani.

“We have applied to our parent ministry (Local Government and Public Works) for additional funds to complete the project. We expect to get the money so that it is completed ahead of the onset of the rains.”

Acquittals of the $9 million have already been done. The vegetable and flea market upgrade is aimed at realigning amenities with standards expected of a resort town.

The municipality has also earmarked some of the devolution funds for next year towards the installation of at least 114 solar street-lights to ward off threats of animal attacks at night and thieves.

Municipality offices are expected to be fitted with a solar system to reduce the electricity bill.

Acting town clerk Mr Saratiere Chitenhe said the 2021 capital budget included extension of council chambers and upgrading of Nyamhunga Stadium, the home ground of Premier Soccer League club ZPC Kariba.

At least $100 000 would go towards the rehabilitation and maintenance of the stadium.

“We are looking at installing 114 solar street lights in 2021 to improve lighting in our town,” said Mr Chitenhe. “We have purchased a refuse compactor and ambulance this year. The ambulance is expected in the next week or two. We are also going to install precast walls at our clinics to ensure privacy.”-herald.c.zw