Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, mukudzei.chingwere @zimpapers.co.zw
The transformation of Mount Hampden into the country’s new administrative city is gathering momentum, with the Cabinet now focusing on compensation for affected landholders, which is a crucial financial milestone that is key to unlocking large-scale relocation and accelerating infrastructure development at the site.
Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda, said Government has set a preliminary estimated compensation value of over US$75 million for 254 properties earmarked for the New City development project.
Out of the 254 properties identified, only six have been compensated so far, while the relocation of other affected property owners and land reform beneficiaries is still pending.
Yesterday, the Cabinet also heard that following approval of the master plan for the Mt Hampden New City, the Government moved to finalise implementation and management structures.
According to the update, the implementation model, organisational structure and key appointments for the development and management of the New City have since been put in place.
“Following approval of the Master Plan for the New City at Mt Hampden, the implementation model, organisational structure and key appointments have since been made for the development and management of the new city,” said Minister Soda.
“A total of 48 farms with an estimated extent of 15 301,94 hectares were identified for the establishment of the new city, and 33 parent farms have been acquired so far.
“The estimated preliminary compensation value was set at US$75 616 403,10 for the 254 properties, with six properties having been compensated so far. “Relocation of other affected property owners and land reform beneficiaries is yet to commence pending compensation payment,” said Minister Soda.
Construction of the new Parliament and related support infrastructure and civil works has been completed.
In addition, the Presidential Villas and conference facilities are scheduled for completion by the end of June.
Access roads around the new Parliament have also been completed.
Title processing for the development of the Zimbabwe Cyber City is underway.
Minister Soda said going forward, Cabinet directed appointments for the New City Board to be formally communicated to the members concerned, with a budget intended to operationalise the New City Administration, including the Secretariat.
“The Ministry of Lands and Rural Development should complete the gazetting of all the farms intended for developing the new city as well as establishing the total compensation value, including the relocation of the affected farmers,” said Minister Soda.
The infrastructure boon in and around Mt Hampden, while it was already planned, got impetus from the country’s hosting of the 2024 SADC Summit when Zimbabwe was taking over the regional bloc’s Chairmanship.
Mt Hampden got a huge area lift with the construction of the new Parliament building and has also seen a boom in construction, including Nemakonde Way, which connects it to the present city.
Government is on record that it has been impressed by the quality of work by local construction companies taking part in road construction and is confident the roads can last up to 20 years before requiring extensive rehabilitation.
derick.khumalo