Binga – Binga South legislator, Fanuel Cumanzala has welcomed the Government’s recognition of Binga’s tourism potential but says the time has come to translate policy statements into tangible investments that transform the lives of communities along the Zambezi Valley.

Speaking in an interview after the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, responded to his parliamentary question on tourism promotion in Binga District, Hon. Cumanzala acknowledged that the Ministry had identified key tourism assets but argued that the response exposed the urgent need to accelerate implementation.

“The Minister’s response confirms that Government appreciates the immense tourism potential of Binga and the Zambezi Valley. However, our people now want to see these plans moving from paper to reality through visible infrastructure, investment and jobs,” said Hon. Cumanzala.

The Minister highlighted Government plans to develop tourism infrastructure at strategic destinations including Sijailila Beach, Binga Sand Beach, Chikatata, Hot Springs, Chiteme Islands and Mtsuna Islands. She also outlined efforts to promote lake-based tourism through boat cruising, sport fishing and commercial fishing while supporting community initiatives such as the Muchemi Community Conservancy and the Kariba REDD+ carbon project.

While welcoming these initiatives, Hon. Cumanzala said Binga’s greatest challenge remains the gap between its enormous natural resources and the level of economic development experienced by local communities.

“Binga is blessed with one of Africa’s greatest freshwater bodies, breathtaking islands, hot springs, rich Tonga culture and abundant wildlife. Yet many residents continue to live in poverty, with limited employment opportunities and inadequate tourism infrastructure. The district should become one of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destinations,” he said.

The legislator stressed that unlocking the full tourism potential of the Zambezi Valley requires major investment in enabling infrastructure, including improved road networks connecting tourism sites, reliable electricity, telecommunications, water supply, quality accommodation facilities and modern jetties to support marine tourism.

He also called for stronger participation of local communities in the tourism value chain.

“Our people should not merely watch tourists pass through Binga. They must become owners, investors, tour guides, lodge operators, boat operators, artisans, cultural performers and suppliers of tourism products and services. Tourism must create sustainable livelihoods for the people who have conserved these resources for generations,” he said.

Hon. Cumanzala further urged Government to strengthen partnerships with private investors to develop eco-tourism facilities around Lake Kariba while preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Zambezi Valley.

He also appealed for greater promotion of Tonga cultural heritage, saying cultural tourism remains an underutilised asset capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors.

On the Kariba REDD+ carbon project, Hon. Cumanzala acknowledged the reported benefits, including support for schools, health facilities, boreholes, community gardens and sustainable agriculture. However, he said communities deserve greater transparency and broader participation to ensure that conservation revenues are distributed fairly and that local people fully understand how carbon finance contributes to community development.

“The people of Binga must see measurable benefits from every natural resource found in their district. Tourism, wildlife, fisheries and conservation should improve household incomes, expand employment opportunities and stimulate local business growth,” he said.

Cumanzala concluded by urging the Ministry to develop clear implementation timelines and measurable targets for tourism projects in Binga, arguing that the district has the potential to become a major tourism and investment hub within the province.