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Zimbabwe Criticized Over Theme Park Plans

Zimbabwe has come under fire for their plans to build a multi-million dollar theme park complex in Victoria Falls. The plans were announced by former tourism minister, Walter Mzembi, at the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which took place in Victoria Falls.

Mzembi, whose future position in the government has not yet been determined, referred to the planned complex as "Disneyland in Africa", while others have described the Zimbabwe theme park plans as 'inappropriate' and 'bizarre.'

New Theme Park to Include a Casino

The plans for the new complex include a magical kingdom theme park, a casino and other entertainment facilities, shopping malls, exhibition facilities and banks. They will cover an area of 1,200 hectares. The estimated costs run to around $300 million.

"We need a bit of development," stated Mzembi. "In the distant environs we must see ultra-modernity emerging which can attract the youthful market into this destination. Current visitors are very elderly couples as the youth are a bit bored."

Mzembi's Zim Theme Park Plans Attacked

Mzembi's Zimbabwean theme park plans have been attacked on many fronts. Clifford Mashiri, political analyst, stated on SW Radio Africa that the plans are 'bizarre' considering the number of more pressing issues that the country faces.

Claiming that many of the population have "no basic requirements", he criticized Mzembi for trying to "divert attention from these issues." A large portion of the population remains without running water and electricity and Mashiri noted that these are issues that need to be addressed before theme park and casino plans should even be considered. "It's rather crazy; it's not wise and it's not necessary," he declared.

Going a step further, Chris McIntyre of Expert Africa was quoted in the UK Telegraph saying that people visit Zimbabwe for its natural beauty and authentic African experience. He referred to the plans as "inappropriate."

African travel expert, Lisa Grainger concurred, referring to the plans as "crazy." "It would be like building a casino by the pyramids," she asserted. "The reason people visit the falls is because it's unspoilt and natural; it's a glorious part of the Earth. Not because they want to buy candy floss and be immersed in an American-style theme park."

In the meantime, Zimbabwe does not even have a functioning government as plans to swear in the new house of MPs and the new Cabinet have been delayed. Mzembi's term has expired, although he is continuing to act in the role of Tourism Minister.