MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo– An investment driven by the Zimbabwe In Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO) has come to fruition, with the official launch of Blu Marble Lodges and Resort in Morningside, Masvingo, on August 19.
The development is led by Nyasha Banhire, CEO of Blu Marble Holdings, who met with Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, in the United Kingdom during a diaspora engagement initiative.
The premium facility which is located 7km from Masvingo City, has eight guest rooms, spa and beauty parlour, dining areas, and conference room which can accommodate between 30 to 50 people depending with the seating arrangement.
There is plenty of parking in the event of a wedding or conferences and security is water tight with 24hours guards at the facility including CCTV surveillance.
Banhire also adopted an equal opportunity approach with a compliment of nine well trained, customer friendly workers, four of them being female.
(For more beautiful pictures of the exquisite lodge open the link below).
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Ongoing works highlighted plans to integrate eco-tourism features and cultural experiences, elevating the facility to international standards.
The commissioning of Blu Marble Lodges and Resort stands as a beacon of the potential unlocked when diaspora investment is channeled back into local communities a practical step towards achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
Inspired by the mantra of President Mnangagwa “leaving no one and no place behind” Banhire and his wife, Violah Banhire, who reside in the UK, committed to reinvesting back home.
Their vision took root at 5 Crescent, Morningside, where they began building a state-of-the-art resort after the COVID-19 era.
“We have a two-hectare piece of land which we bought during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop in four phases, today, we are proud to launch the first phase with eight beautifully decorated rooms.
“This phase of accommodation alone cost a quarter of a million dollars in restructuring and building,” said Banhire.
Outlining the future, Banhire revealed that the second phase will see the construction of 20 clustered lodges, a mix of two- to three-room units and 20 single-room lodges.
The third phase will feature Blu Marble Villages, designed with modern interior finishes while preserving cultural authenticity with thatched exteriors.
The ambitious fourth phase includes plans for a school, clinic, and police base to directly benefit the Morningside community, altogether, the project is estimated at US$1.5 million.
Representing the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, Director for Domestic Tourism, Gladys Chinyerere commended the milestone, stating, “The tourism sector in Zimbabwe is celebrating yet another achievement as Blu Marble Lodges and Resort opens its doors.
“This project reflects the confidence investors have in Zimbabwe under the Second Republic, and it comes at a time when the nation is experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals.
“It will enrich our cluster-based tourism approach that focuses on nature, culture, agro-tourism, and conferences, among others.”
Commissioning the project, Minister Chadzamira hailed the resort as a shining example of diaspora-led investment and patriotic vision, “I first met Banhire in the UK during a diaspora engagement mission, today, we are witnessing the fruits of that meeting.
“This resort supports our Vision 2030, targeting an $8 billion economy in Masvingo Province, it will not only provide world-class accommodation but also create jobs, empower local suppliers, and support cultural revival.”
Masvingo Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe also applauded the development, describing it as a major step in strengthening the city’s tourism industry and local economy.
Delegates toured
