Cabinet okays Melfort Smart City
Cabinet has approved a proposal for the development of Melfort Smart City, which is expected to boost economic activity in the settlement lying about 35km to the east of Harare on the highway to Mutare.
The proposal was tabled by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Social Services and Poverty Eradication.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, confirmed the development after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
“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 Minister 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 were substantial downstream spin-off benefits accruing from the envisaged development.
The envisaged Smart City also aimed at decongesting Harare and the concept would 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,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Engagement with potential investors would pave way for the spatial planning of the Smart City.
“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.”-herald.cl.zw
