Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
Government has set aside over US$75 million to compensate affected land owners as development of the new city in Mt Hampden gathers momentum, Cabinet has said.
This was revealed during a post-Cabinet media briefing this afternoon, where progress on the project was presented by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
“Following approval of the master plan for the new city in Mt Hampden, the implementation model, organisational structure and key appointments have since been made for the development and management of the new city,” reads the statement.
A total of 48 farms covering approximately 15,301.94 hectares were identified for the project, with 33 parent farms already acquired.
Government said compensation remains a critical component of the process.
“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,” reads the statement.
“Relocation of other affected property owners and land reform beneficiaries is yet to commence, pending compensation.”
Looking ahead, Cabinet directed that appointments to the new city board be formally communicated, alongside the mobilisation of a budget to operationalise its administration, as well as its secretariat.
Government also tasked the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development to complete the gazetting of all farms earmarked for the project, finalise the total compensation value, and facilitate the relocation of affected farmers.
