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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected] 

GOVERNMENT has approved the construction of a US$600 000 hotel at Milan Restaurant in Gweru’s central business district, a move that is expected to alleviate tourism accommodation shortages in the city.

The construction of Milan Boutique Hotel is part of Gweru’s ambitious growth plans, which include transforming the city’s infrastructure and boosting its economy.

The initiative aims to position Gweru as a hub for business and tourism, earning its nickname “City of Progress”.

Milan Boutique Hotel is a partnership between Milan Restaurant and Ultimate Bricks and Pavers. It complements the existing conference centre and a restaurant, which have changed the face of Gweru on the tourism front.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, led the groundbreaking ceremony at the site ahead of the construction, which is expected to start soon.

Addressing tourism players, businesspeople and Government officials after the officiating the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Ncube said Government supports development efforts in all sectors of the economy, which contribute to the provincial gross domestic product.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate this investment by Milan Restaurant and Ultimate Bricks and Pavers, I urge all local authorities to fully embrace ease of doing business and President Mnangagwa’s call to action to improve on service delivery and customer satisfaction,” he said.

Minister Ncube urged Milan Restaurant and Ultimate Bricks and Pavers to work closely with Gweru City Council, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to ensure adherence to tourism standards.

He said the establishment of the hotel in Gweru further solidifies the province as the investment destination of choice after contributing a remarkable 11,2 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product, according to the latest ZimStats figures of 2023.

Minister Ncube said since its opening in 2021, Milan Restaurant has consistently demonstrated dedication to the growth and development of the Midlands Province by investing US$2,5 million in the Milan Restaurant and club. 

“The enterprise employs 56 people and provides prime entertainment for Gweru residents and beyond. Expansion of the project targets the construction of a 13-roomed boutique hotel, which complements existing facilities in the province,” he said.

Milan Restaurant managing director, Mr Taleb Mohamad said they were inspired by the Second Republic’s industrialisation and re-industrialisation efforts.

“The business operating environment in this country is quite conducive. We started in the mining sector and saw a number of opportunities here in Gweru. This is now my second home. I have even invited my son from abroad to come and help me with business here,” he said.

“I am also involved with some projects with MSU where we are helping those upcoming entrepreneurs to stand alone. I want to spread my wings and expand my businesses in this beautiful country.”

Ultimate Bricks and Pavers chief executive officer, Mr Shadreck Musemwa, said there were a lot of business opportunities in Gweru and the country at large.

“I came to Gweru and saw opportunities in brick laying. However, I usually come this side for business meetings and end up sleeping in Kwekwe due to lack of adequate accommodation,” he said. 

“Now I saw an opportunity in that as we always explore the low hanging fruits in the country, which offer us opportunities to grow.”