Mulk International’s US$500M Zim Cyber City Project is in limbo as the government of Zimbabwe has issued a statement regarding the destruction of graves in the Mt Hampden area to facilitate the project.
This statement comes in response to online reports alleging that graves in the Mt Hampden area were being destroyed to advance the ambitious multimillion-dollar project.
The Government of Zimbabwe has categorically denied any plans of this nature.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage emphasised that the protection of graves, both ancient and recent, is ensured by existing legislation.
According to the ministry, the National Museums and Monument of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:11] safeguards ancient graves, while recent graves are protected under the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04].
These two Acts work together to legally preserve the sanctity of ancestral burial sites, with Section 26 of the Cemeteries Act specifically emphasizing the protection of tombs or monuments.
The government has stated its commitment to adhering to the relevant legislation and traditional customs regarding the treatment of graves.
It has also highlighted that the majority of graves in the Mt Hampden area have been identified by their respective relatives.
In collaboration with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, the ministry continues to engage in extensive consultations with various stakeholders.
In the event that any graves are discovered during the construction of the Cyber City project, the ministry has instructed developers to halt their activities and seek the expertise of qualified archaeologists or curators of cemeteries.
These professionals would be responsible for categorising the graves and providing guidance on appropriate actions, such as exhumation, to allow the project to proceed.
The Cyber City project, valued at approximately US$500 million, is set to become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s vision for a new capital city, often referred to as the “New Harare.”
Developed by Mulk International, an industrial conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates, the project encompasses a vast area of 2.5 million square meters in Mt Hampden.
Apart from the Cyber City, the government plans to construct additional government offices in the area, aiming to establish Mt Hampden as the seat of power for the planned “New Harare.” The project will feature various residential units, including 250 townhouses, over 80 luxury villas, and several apartment blocks. Additionally, it will incorporate state-of-the-art office facilities, a 15-storey commercial tower, and beautifully landscaped gardens, all within a gated community.
With the government’s assurance of strict adherence to legislation and traditional customs regarding the protection of graves, the Cyber City project is expected to proceed while ensuring the preservation of ancestral burial sites in the Mt Hampden area.
