According to the Zimbabwean government run The Herald newspaper, a consortium of Chinese investors has put in a bid to upgrade the Zimbabwean side of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP). This was said by the minister of environment and tourism, Mr Francis Nhema, at the end of May.
"There are some Chinese investors who intend to assist us in the development of the park in line with the renovation strategy of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Talks were expected to begin sometime in June," said Mr Nhema.
Zimbabwe has been on a drive to lure foreign investors to assist in the development of Gonarezhou National Park, which forms Zimbabwe's side of the GLTP, along with Kruger National Park of South Africa and Limpopo of Mozambique ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"Consultations involving all the stakeholders are in progress so that Zimbabwe does not lag behind in terms of facilitating a smooth refurbishment process of Gonarezhou," said Mr Nhema.
According to The Herald, the Chinese investors would assist the Government in the renovation of lodges, de-mining, roads construction, electrification of some parts and construction of a border post.
Funds are also needed for the construction of a bridge that would link Gonarezhou and Kruger, which is expected to allow tourists to cross over from the South African side of the park. Mr Nhema said while the Government has continued to provide funds towards the upgrading of Gonarezhou, local tourism players should take some of the responsibility.
"Stakeholders in the tourism sector should also play a crucial role through mobilising funds," he said. (article published on http://allafrica.com)
This makes for very interesting reading…it would be interesting to see what the Chinese investors would want in return?
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