THE City of Victoria Falls has signed a US$1,6 million agreement with Integrated Construction Projects (ICP) to service commercial land in the central business district, a move expected to enhance the city’s urban landscape.The project will cover BB5, a prime area with 90 commercial stands along Livingstone Way behind Sawanga Mall and the Railway Loop, which has 20 stands behind Shearwater Village.Town clerk Ronnie Dube and ICP director Tawanda Muchineripi signed the agreement on Friday last week at council offices.The project, which includes the construction of water, sewer, stormwater systems and roads is expected to begin with immediate effect.Council will fully fund the project, with ICP pledging to complete the work in a record six months.“As the responsible authority, it is fair that we develop that area so that it gives a good ambiance for our city and benefits the people who were allocated,” Dube said.“Hence, we advertised the tender for the works to be done and ICP won the tender for US$1,6 million, which we are going to fund using our resources.”He called on land beneficiaries under the BB5 scheme to clear any outstanding payments to assist council in financing the project.“We urge residents, who owe council anything related to BB5, to own up so that it will also assist us,” he said.ICP worked on other projects in Victoria Falls, including the BB7 residential area and the construction of a water reservoir.Muchineripi expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious six-month deadline.“The contract period is 12 months, but we envisage and we will endeavour to finish within six months, which will be record time,” he said.“We are sure of the support of council and with the support of all the residents we will be able to achieve this.”The development is expected to boost commercial activity in Victoria Falls by providing fully serviced stands for business investors.
