Published: 14 hours ago

Zimbabwe's flagship project to develop a new administrative capital at Mount Hampden is progressing in terms of infrastructure planning, but delays in compensation payments are emerging as a major obstacle, leaving landowners in limbo.

The update was presented during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, where ministers reviewed progress on the multi-billion-dollar development expected to transform Mount Hampden into a new government and commercial hub.

According to Cabinet, 48 farms covering 15,301.94 hectares have been identified for the project, with 33 parent farms already acquired following approval of the master plan, implementation model and key institutional appointments.

However, compensation remains significantly delayed. The preliminary compensation bill stands at US$75.6 million for 254 properties, but only six have been paid to date.

Authorities say relocation of affected farmers and property owners has not yet commenced, as payments are still being processed, leaving many households uncertain about their future while development continues around them.

The project includes key national infrastructure, including the newly completed Parliament building and supporting road networks. Government also indicated that Presidential Villas and conference facilities are expected to be completed by June 2026.

Work on the Zimbabwe Cyber City component is ongoing, with title processing still underway, further slowing progress.

Cabinet has directed that the New City Board appointments be finalised and that the Ministry of Lands expedite gazetting of the affected farms. It has also ordered a comprehensive determination of compensation costs, including relocation support for impacted communities.

The Mount Hampden project, first heavily promoted ahead of the 2024 SADC Summit, remains a central part of Zimbabwe's long-term urban development strategy, but its rollout continues to be constrained by financial and administrative delays.
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