Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO–The City of Masvingo has moved to upgrade three public ablution facilities in the CBD ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo scheduled for September 12 to 15.
The project was announced during a full council meeting held on July 27, where councillors were briefed on preparations for the international tourism event.
The facilities earmarked for upgrading are located at the Civic Centre along Leopold Takawira Road, the downtown public toilets near Gain Wholesale and the ablution block at Croco Motors.
Speaking during the meeting, Public Works and Planning chairperson Councillor Richard Musekiwa said the project was expected to be completed before the expo, which is expected to attract local, regional and international exhibitors, investors and tourists.
“The target is to complete the works before the Sanganai/Hlanganani International Expo. The ablution facility near Gain Wholesale will be extended to increase its capacity, while the other two facilities will be upgraded from the current latrine system to modern flush toilets with functional shower facilities,” said Musekiwa.
He said the project would improve sanitation services while enhancing the city’s image and increasing council revenue through greater use of the facilities during and after the expo.
Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa said procurement of the required equipment had already been completed and the local authority was awaiting delivery before construction work could begin.
“Procurement of the required equipment has already been completed. We are now waiting for delivery so that work can commence and the project can be completed ahead of the expo,” said Mukaratirwa.
Masvingo will host this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, one of Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism events, with the local authority undertaking infrastructure upgrades as part of efforts to improve the city’s readiness to welcome visitors, investors and exhibitors from across the country and beyond.
In 2025 the event was held in Mutare City and left the local authority $3.5million poorer after it contracted independent companies to spruce up its image.
The Government made an undertaking to pay the independent contractors, but had not done so until now and Mutare City is diverting $50 000 every month to service the debt according to Town Engineer Michael Kerith.
