The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Business Reporter
ONE of the country’s oldest leisure centres, Matopo Sailing Club is undergoing major infrastructural upgrading and has set sights on improving its recreational activities as it bids to enhance its status as one of the best hospitality resort areas on the outskirts of the City of Bulawayo.
Matopo Sailing Club managing director Mr Rodgers Hove said renovations of chalets and ablution facilities for use by campers was at and advanced stage.
“We are in the process of facelifting virtually all our infrastructure to ensure that it remains attractive, hospitable and user friendly to our visitors. Most of the infrastructure here was built in the early 1920s and needs to be constantly kept intact though of course we won’t tamper with its ancient-like features, as some of the guests enjoy viewing the antique architecture,” Mr Hove said.
Refurbishment of two of the four chalets has been completed with the other two including both the male and female campers’ ablution facilities set to be completed this week.
“We are refurbishing our chalets because we realised that some of our guests would need to sleep after having consumed excessively rather than for them to drive back home while some will enjoy an all day outing in this serene environment. There is no doubt that the sailing club offers a tranquil environment away from the hassle and bustle of town life.
“We are also refurbishing both male and female ablution facilities after some tourists from South Africa requested us to do so as they are seeking to come back before the end of the year or early next year with a bigger entourage for camping and thereafter we anticipate hosting more tourists as they network with others,” Mr Hove said.
He said tourists enroute to Matopo National Park could also make a stopover at the sailing club for refreshments before embarking on their expedition.
Matopo Sailing Club boasts of a number of recreational activities such as braai, nature walking, fishing and canoeing.
“We intend to increase our leisure activities and already we are looking at bringing two boats to enable those that are fond of such activities to enjoy themselves while also fishing if they so which to. Currently we have only two canoes.
“Of course our dam’s capacity has over the years been affected by siltation but it’s still big enough for people to enjoy various water activities. However, we have engaged the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to remove algae and some aquatic plant that continues to cover the dam,” Mr Hove said.
He said there are also plans to increase recreational activities for children to enable the club to accommodate families.
“We are also looking forward to improving children’s playing activities by adding a jumping castle and introducing horse rides as we want this place to be accommodative to families as well,” Mr Hove said.
He said apart from hosting weddings and parties, plans are underway to invite high profile musicians to come and perform at the venue.
