CONSTRUCTION of the US$500 million Cyber City in Mount Hampden began yesterday, with contractors clearing the piece of land where ultramodern villas, shopping malls and a 40-storey commercial tower will be built.
It was a hive of activity at the site yesterday as heavy-duty equipment undertook preparatory works. A few months ago, President Mnangagwa broke ground on the multimillion-dollar project, which is in sync with the Government’s modernisation and industrialisation drive.
The Cyber City, which is being built on 50 hectares, is likely to be a flagship project in the new city, where a modern Parliament has already been built. Bitumen chief executive officer Mr Andre Zietsman told this publication yesterday that the company was already on the ground for the project.
“We are on the ground now. We are going to be part of the new Cyber City and this is an exciting project,” said Mr Zietsman.
The futuristic Cyber City, which is being built at an estimated cost of US$500 million, is being developed by United Arab Emirates-based industrial conglomerate Mulk International. Its commencement demonstrates growing investor confidence in Zimbabwe.
In an interview, Mulk International chairperson Mr Shaji Ul Mulk was excited that the project is now taking off.
“This is a very big day for us. We have appointed Bitumen to do all the roadworks and construct the dams and other infrastructure. I would like to thank President (Mnangagwa) for his support towards this project; I would like to thank all Government ministries that made this come true. We are in the process of scouting for the major contractor for the buildings”.
Asked about his experience in setting up the project, Mr Mulk said: “There is drastic change in Zimbabwe because of President Mnangagwa. All our papers were processed with ease, and the environment is very friendly for the investor.”
Special presidential investment adviser Mr Paul Tempter Tungwarara, who brought the Dubai-based investor, said: “We are very excited about the commencement of the Cyber City.
“Special thanks to the President for opening the door for investors; indeed, this shows that Zimbabwe is open for business. We would like also to thank the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Government (and Public Works), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and International Trade) for the role they played in making this dream come true.
“This project has proved that our President is a pragmatic leader, who puts words into action; more investors are on their way.” – The Sunday Mail
