Work on new Parliament starts

11 Nov, 2018 - 00:11 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Debra Matabvu
Contractors for the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden, Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), arrived in Zimbabwe last month and have begun works after drawing down the $101 million availed by China’s government for the project.

SCG is the world’s 16th-largest construction firm.

An estimated $90 million will be used for constructing the main building, while the remainder is earmarked for offsite infrastructure such as residential areas and shopping centres.

A groundbreaking ceremony is expected soon, and access roads, and power and water facilities are already in place.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing principal director Colonel (Retired) Joseph Mhakayakora said there were modifications to the original designs.

“The contractors who won the tender are now on site and work has already started. The grant that was extended by the Chinese is now being drawn down and we expect to have a groundbreaking ceremony soon.

“There are few modifications that were done to the buildings plan and they are complete,” said Rtd Col Mhakayakora.

The grant-funded project will see the construction of a new Parliament Building with capacity to hold 500 legislators.

Parliament Building in Harare’s CBD has been deemed to small for Zimbabwe’s 270 legislators.

Relocation of Parliament will spur development in Mt Hampden and surrounding areas through attendant development of recreational facilities, banking halls, residential areas, shopping centres and other Government buildings.

Urban planning expert Mr Percy Toriro said, “Zimbabweans must now strategically position themselves to do infrastructure development work as either main contractors or as sub-contractors.

“There are a number of advantages that come with the new site. First the proposed site is free from the congestion and other limitations associated with the city centre location.

“Second, there is now an opportunity to come up with other developments in Mount Hampden since there is ample land for development.

“Rather than just relocate the Parliament, other economic activities can also be located close to it, thereby making it a catalyst for general economic development.

“There is a concern that the City of Harare has run out of land for development and this move opens up a new frontier for commercial, industrial and other urban development land needs.

“Zimbabweans must now strategically position themselves to do infrastructure development work as either main contractors or sub-contractors.

“A development of that nature and magnitude presents lots of opportunities that we must be on the look out for.”

Zimbabwe and China recently deepened their diplomatic relations by elevating them to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to the Asian country in April.

China has evolved as a major financier of key infrastructural project around the world, particularly in Africa.

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