Zimbabwe steps up new city efforts

ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to build a new city in Mount Hampden by working on the requisite infrastructure, with President Mnangagwa having led a delegation to Switzerland last week on a familiarisation tour of the construction work carried out by the Mabetex Group.

Mabetex Group is a civil engineering and construction company with its headquarters located in Lugano, Switzerland. It specializes in building mega projects and is keen to contribute to the creation of additional amenities in Mt Hampden.

President Mnangagwa was invited to Switzerland to present their artwork.

The President expressed his admiration for the Swiss company's expertise, and shortly talks will start on their involvement in building a hotel and conference center in Mount Hampden and four missions of Zimbabwe's Chanceries.

Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere gave a national update on the happenings after yesterday's Cabinet meeting.

"The report on His Excellency the President's Official Visit to Lugano from January 30 to January 31, 2024, at the invitation of Mabetex Group, was received by the Cabinet," Dr. Muswere stated.

The executive management of the Mabetex Group, led by its founder and owner, Mr. Behgjet Pacolli, met with His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, at the company's headquarters.

"The Mabetex Group's investment portfolio encompasses the development of significant infrastructure projects, including hotels, conference centers, and airports," Dr. Muswere stated.

More information about the President's tour of duty in Switzerland was provided by Ambassador Frederick Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

"You are aware of our large-scale project in Mount Hamden, which we constructed with the aid of the Chinese government—the new Parliament.

"This new parliament needs other facilities, and a conference center and hotel are two of those facilities."They were excited to show the President what they had accomplished and to let him know what more they could do for Zimbabwe when they invited His Excellency the President to their headquarters.

In that context, Zimbabwe is in talks with Mabetex Group to explore the possibility of working with them on the renovation of our chanceries in New York, London, Geneva, and Addis Ababa. This is something we are considering in addition to the conference facilities I previously indicated.

"They came here to work on the conference center's developments after showing His Excellency the President what they had done elsewhere, and the President was really pleased with their work.

Ambassador Shava stated, "Since they have already visited the locations and seen the programs, all that is needed is for them to bring their estimates and programs so that deals can be made and the work can be completed."

Dr. Muswere added that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation to prevent cross-border livestock rustling between Zimbabwe and Botswana was reviewed and approved by Cabinet.

According to him, the goal of the MoU is to create a legal framework for mutual cooperation between the two nations in order to coordinate efforts to prevent livestock rustling and related crimes.

Dr Muswere said Cabinet also considered and approved the MoU between Zimbabwe and Botswana on immigration co-operation.