Staff Reporter

The town of Redcliff is set to relocate its Central Business District (CBD) to the Harare-Bulawayo highway at the turnoff, marking a shift in its urban and economic development strategy.

Mayor Vincent Shangwa Masiiwa revealed the plans in an interview, highlighting the increasing investor interest and ongoing development in the area.

“If you notice, there is a lot of development taking place there,” Masiiwa said.

“Investors are buying land and developing it, and we are generating revenue from these activities. We are also actively luring more investors as we move away from solely relying on the resuscitation of Ziscosteel,” he said.

The relocation initiative aligns with the town’s vision to create a vibrant economic hub independent of the dormant Ziscosteel, once the backbone of Redcliff’s economy.

Masiiwa pointed to the presence of operational companies like Livetouch and Steelmakers, which have set up shop despite Zisco’s challenges.

The Harare-Bulawayo highway turnoff is already witnessing significant infrastructural growth. A state-of-the-art hotel is under construction, adding to existing facilities like the Rockodox shopping mall, a fuel station, and a food court. These developments underscore the potential of the new CBD area to attract businesses and offer modern amenities.

The mayor also emphasized the town’s readiness to accommodate potential investors, with ample land available for industrial, commercial, and residential projects. “We are having positive responses from investors,” he added, reflecting optimism about Redcliff’s economic future.

Relocating the CBD is expected to enhance accessibility and visibility for businesses while creating a fresh identity for Redcliff. The strategic location on a major national highway will likely attract more investment and improve service delivery for residents.