Ministry, ACUD sign Mou On New City – Local Government Zimbabwe

THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Administrative Capital for Urban Development of the Arab Republic of Egypt meant to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the planning, designing, construction and management of the New City in Mt Hampden.

Speaking after the signing ceremony in Harare, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon July Moyo said Zimbabwe wanted to tap into the vast knowledge that Egypt has shown in developing smart cities.

He said the MoU will pave way for cooperation in updating of the New City masterplan and preparation of local plans.

Hon Moyo said the MoU will also see further cooperation between the two countries in construction of the infrastructure, including major roads, water and sewer, eco-friendly energy supply and water management.

“We also expect to tap knowledge into the designing and implementation of the urban system including urban transport and management and the development of infrastructure for the Smart City,” he said.

Hon Moyo added that the MoU will see exchange of experts in relevant fields and the facilitation of partnerships between Egyptian and Zimbabwean private companies so that the can competitively respond to and seize opportunities that will arise during the development of the New City in Mt Hampden.

Minister of Local Government and Public Work Hon July Moyo exchange copies of the MoU with ACUD Adminstrative Capital MD Khaled Mahmoud Abbas after the signing ceremony

“We are more than happy to welcome your local delegation to Egypt so that they we can exchange information that will make this project a success,” he said.

Chairman and managing director of ACUD Administrative Capital Khaled Mahmoud Abbas said the MoU signify the start of long-standing partnerships between his company and Zimbabwe.

Once completed, the New City will house most of the Government operations.

It will house the New Parliament which has already been built, Constitutional Court, Presidential Palace and various Government departments offices.

Some of the members of the Egyptian delegation who witnessed the signing ceremony

The signing ceremony was also attended by Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Zimbabwe Ambassador Salwa Mowafi, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon Marian Chombo and senior Government officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and Foreign Affairs and International Trade.