By Beaven Dhliwayo.
Harare – Harare Kopje is set to be renovated so as to restore it to its previous state as a tourist site in the country according to Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni.
Harare Kopje used to be a must visit for locals and foreigners alike and was popular for providing not only the best view but also a serene atmosphere for those wishing to take a break from the huff and puff of a busy city.
Briefing journalists during a tour of the Kopje Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni said Harare Kopje is in a state of disrepair and the opportunities around it should be harnessed very quickly.
“The activities further down are not encouraging and have become free for everybody and that must end.
“As you can see we have started to get the paperwork and I think after a month we will be able to tell you the involvement of all partners and the way forward.
“The working document that NMMZ prepared will tell us how they want to proceed but we will also throw in our ideas,” Manyenyeni said.
He added that the pride of Harare Kopje is not necessarily in the economic value but its having a historical significance.
National Museums and Monuments Zimbabwe (NMMZ) Regional Director, Godhi Bvocho concurred and said they are currently trying to unlock the historical as well as the economic value of the monument.
“Basically we have a place that is rich in history, culture and a scenic value and we want to exploit it.
“We had stopped maintaining the Kopje for the past three years since it has been identified and declared that the new parliament was supposed to be constructed here (Harare Kopje).
“So we had shifted focus because we thought everything was going to be rest down to construct the parliament,” he added.
A potential tourist destination, Harare Kopje is lying in a state of neglect as all forms of litter and vandalism have rendered the sight an eyesore.
Locals have turned the unkempt bushes and over grown grass surrounding the Kopje for drug peddling and prostitution.
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