A dream in limbo

A PRICE tag of US$25 0000 is standing between a Chimanimani businessman and his dream of running a sprawling business complex

Mr Edgar Chinheya has been struggling to raise funds to complete the construction of the business complex that has been lying idle at Kopa Business Centre in Chimanimani for more than a decade.

Speaking to Post Business recently, Mr Chinheya said once completed, the complex will house 10 guest rooms, a conference room, a restaurant, a supermarket and a cocktail bar.

“I started building the complex 10 years ago, but the process has been slow because the capital that I had was eroded by inflation and I only managed to build one step at a time. The 30m x 30m building is currently at roof level and I need at least US$25 000 to put up the roof, plastering, floors and painting,” he said.

He said in February last year, he bought the roof trusses. However, they were swept away by the Cyclone Idai-induced floods that hit Chimanimani the following month.

“That is not the only loss I suffered. My beerhall was also destroyed during that cyclone and I lost all my stock. Four people who used to work in that establishment are now jobless,” he added.

When complete, the business complex has the potential to drive the business opportunities around Kopa Business Centre.

“That building has massive potential to generate income once it becomes operational. It can employ at least 50 people. This is the biggest building at Kopa and the only one with booking rooms, so we will promote tourism in this area,” said Mr Chinhema.

Kopa Business Centre is usually a hive of activity as hundreds of traders visit the centre every day to buy bananas, pineapples and avocados from farmers in Rusitu Valley.

Although most farmers are still counting their losses as a result of Cyclone Idai, business at Kopa remains vibrant.

The construction of such a facility will help propel the area’s business to greater heights .