By Correspondent
Government has dismissed allegations that Mt Hampden cemetery graves will be desecrated during the creation of the new Cyber City.
The Mt Hampden cemetery in question mostly consists of the remains of former farm workers.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said it will be guided by relevant laws in the matter.
“For the record, all ancient graves are protected by both National Museums and Monument of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:11].
“Recent graves (are protected) by the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04],” it said.
Government added that the law fully protects the graves.
“The two Acts complement each other legally in the protection of such ancestral places of value.
“The Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04] section 26 stamps the protection of tombs or monuments.”
According to the Ministry the majority of graves are known and their relatives have come forward to identify them.
Going forward it said the Ministry, through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, will widely consult with other stakeholders.
“Developers have been made aware that should any grave be discovered during construction, the developer should stop and engage an archaeologist or curator of cemeteries who is qualified to categorise the graves.
The experts will then advise on the appropriate action such as exhumation to pave way for works to continue.
Cyber City Project
The Cyber City project is projected to cover 2,5 million square metres of land.
It will include 250 townhouses, more than 80 luxury villas and a number of apartment blocks.
There will also be high-tech office facilities, a 15-storey commercial tower and landscaped gardens.
The project is being developed by United Arab Emirates-based industrial conglomerate Mulk International.
Zimbabwe is seeking to attract more foreign direct investment to boost its struggling economy.
This follows a coronavirus-induced slowdown, general investor flight following decades of western sanctions, political upheaval and policy inconsistencies.
Foreign Direct Investment inflows declined to $194 million in 2020, from $745 million in 2018 according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
Once complete, the new city is set to provide relief for shoppers and businesses, away from Harare’s crowded CBD.