Chipinge Rural District Council (RDC) is charting a bold new course for development, pinning its economic hopes on the creation of a “University Town” around the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) campus currently taking shape in the district. This strategic focus is embedded within the recently adopted Chipinge District Master Plan, which maps out ambitious land-use proposals and urban expansion areas.
The Master Plan, adopted by the Council in 2024, provides a comprehensive framework for the district’s future growth, highlighting various land-use zones to ensure orderly development. The map shows significant areas dedicated to the traditional economic backbone of the region, including High-Intensive Farming and Small-Holder Farming areas, particularly in Wards 1, 28, and 29, and along the eastern side of the district near the Mozambique border. Irrigation Farming is also a key designation in the southern parts of the district.
Crucially, the plan designates several Urban Expansion (8A) areas, one of which is situated in the north-eastern part of the district near Ward 8, and another located further south near Ward 24, close to Green Fuel’s Chisumbanje Ethanol Plant. These expansion zones are earmarked to accommodate the anticipated urban sprawl and increased demand for housing and amenities.
Council officials believe the establishment of the ZEGU campus—a project by the ZAOGA church—will be the catalyst for the University Town model. This model aims to leverage the presence of a tertiary institution to attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate the development of supporting infrastructure and services, transforming the surrounding area into a vibrant, knowledge-based economy. Construction on the ZEGU Chipinge Campus is already “taking shape,” with the institution on a massive drive to establish new campuses as part of its growth agenda.
The Master Plan also clearly delineates areas for conservation and recreation, including zones for Forestry/Conservation Areas and a Game Park in the south and east. Furthermore, a large Game Corridor buffer is marked, running diagonally through the district to safeguard wildlife.
By strategically allocating land for agricultural, conservation, and urban uses, and placing development hopes on the University Town model, Chipinge RDC is aiming for a planned transformation to enhance the quality of life for its residents and facilitate economic opportunities for investors. The successful implementation of the Master Plan, particularly the Urban Expansion and University Town initiatives, is expected to shape the district’s growth for decades to come.
