Zimbabwe Plans To Develop 'Dream' Melfort Smart City

HARARE – Cabinet considered and approved proposals for the development of Melfort Smart City, which were presented by Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima, during the 29th cabinet sitting held on Tuesday in the capital. 

Mavima is the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Social Services and Poverty Eradication. 

Information and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the development during a post-cabinet press briefing in the capital on Tuesday. 

“Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, and  a consortium of pension and provident funds, banking institutions and other developers fronted by the Zimbabwe Electricity Industry Pension Fund and the ZESA Pension Fund, is collaborating in the development of Melfort Smart City. 

“Melfort is strategically located midway between Harare and Marondera, and has potential to become a major economic hub. It is endowed with excellent weather conditions, abundant water sources, thriving agricultural activities, a railway line and an elaborate road network,” said Monica Mutsvangwa. 

Melfort has a direct link with the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the link road will reduce the distances to the airport for the exporters and other vehicular traffic from the East. 

“There are substantial down-stream spin-off benefits accruing from the envisaged development. Going forward, the Smart City also aims at decongesting Harare, and the Concept will be replicated throughout the country. The development can be replicated to other areas such as Figtree, and Chirundu Border Post. 

“Given that Melfort Smart City is a private sector-driven development project, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities will engage potential investors on the funding models to ensure that the Concept quickly materialises. The engagement with potential investors will pave way for the spatial planning of the Smart City,” she added. 

According to government information, there will be an industrial Park and office park to support spatial efficiency in development, promote import substitution, and develop sustainability and value addition on agricultural produce.