Staff Reporter
Government has proposed allocating at least 30% of the national budget annually to fast-track the development of the new Mt Hampden City, with a focus on creating robust infrastructure that will attract investment and elevate the city as a key urban hub.
During the 2025 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo recently, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, stressed the need for substantial funding to realize the Mt Hampden city project.
“We have made significant progress, with key infrastructure like the new Parliament building, which will be the city’s focal point, already completed. The new road networks now connect Mt Hampden with Harare and nearby provinces, strategically placing it as a key hub for Zimbabwe’s economic future. With 18 luxury villas nearing completion, Mt Hampden is quickly becoming an attractive destination for both residential and commercial investment,” he added.
Minister Garwe highlighted that consistent annual budget allocation would support ongoing development, specifically for critical infrastructure.
“For the development of the new city, the proposal is to set aside at least 30 percent of the budget every year towards development of this initiative,” he stated.
Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development in the Ministry, Shingirayi Mushamba, echoed this sentiment, detailing the infrastructure requirements that the funds would support.
“The funding will support the development of essential infrastructure like road networks, drainage systems, sewer and water lines, and electricity distribution. This investment will enable Zimbabwe to offer fully serviced land to investors, enhancing its value and making it more attractive for high-value developments,” Mushamba explained.
Mushamba described the funding proposal as a “game-changer,” emphasizing its reliance on domestic resources rather than external financing.
“This is really a game-changer because we are not looking at outside financing; we are using our domestic resources to improve the value of land in the new city, making it more appealing and ultimately more profitable,” he said.
According to the contents of Harare City’s Master Plan, Mt Hampden will be developed in four phases over a decade.
“The first phase, already underway, focuses on essential infrastructure and is funded by the Treasury and contributions from private sector partners. The second phase will involve baseline infrastructure and be funded through a mix of public-private partnerships (PPPs), Treasury funds, and financial instruments such as bonds and loans.
“From years five to ten, the third phase will focus on developing commercial, residential, and industrial areas, leveraging PPPs, foreign direct investment (FDI), and other financial tools. The final phase will see continued development of these areas through private equity, PPPs, and syndicated loans. Approved by Cabinet in 2018, the Mt Hampden project is poised to transform Zimbabwe’s urban landscape, creating a self-sustaining city with modern amenities and high-value investment opportunities,” reads the Master Plan.
Meanwhile, by allocating a significant portion of the national budget, the Government aims to set Mt Hampden on a sustainable path toward becoming a major economic and residential hub, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to urban innovation and growth.
