By Maxwell Mapungwana
Chivhu is set for a major transformation following the commencement of civil works for a 5 000-hectare EcoCity that is expected to bring 20 000 housing units and accommodate up to 80 000 people when complete.
The multi-billion-dollar-scale development by listed property company WestProp Holdings is set to combine residential, commercial, industrial and agro-development activities.
This will potentially create a new economic hub in Chikomba District.
The project moved into its implementation phase recently when WestProp broke ground for Founders Estate.
This is the first phase of the development consisting of about 600 residential stands.
WestProp chief executive officer Ken Sharpe said the project was designed around sustainability, with the developer seeking to establish an eco-friendly urban settlement.
“We are building the first eco-city, the first green city in the whole country.
“We are very proud as WestProp to be leading the way,” he said.
Demand for properties stands high
The initial phase has already attracted strong demand, with all the stands at Founders Estate reportedly sold out.
Sharpe said prices for the properties were expected to increase from October 1, signalling continued demand for the development.
Beyond housing, the project will include at least 20 schools and supporting commercial and social infrastructure as the city expands.
WestProp projects manager Mandla Ndebele said the immediate task was to provide the infrastructure required to support the new settlement.
“We are here to break ground on the civil works that will be backing up that development in terms of the basic infrastructure, the roads, water and sewer networks,” he said.
Enhancing Chivhu’s Ecotourism Potential
The development will also seek to exploit Chivhu’s natural features through an ecotourism component.
This includes plans for a game reserve and the development of existing water bodies.
Ndebele said the sustainability thrust would ensure that the project went beyond conventional housing development.
“This is an eco-city. Its premise is based on sustainability.
“We are looking at developing the weirs and water bodies that are here into something that is going to be of much interest for ecotourism,” he said.
The project is expected to create opportunities for local contractors, transport operators, construction-material suppliers, financial institutions and other businesses servicing the growing population.
Chikomba Rural District Council district planner Shadreck Maoneni said the development would enhance Chivhu’s investment profile.
“This development will put Chivhu on the pedestal, as this development will be top notch and a first of its kind,” he said.
As construction progresses, the development is expected to gradually reshape Chivhu’s economic landscape.
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