Government issues notice to exhume 800 graves for Mount Hampden Cybercity
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has issued a notice to exhume 800 graves and remove memorials in Mount Hampden, paving the way for a cutting-edge Cybercity development.
Invoking Section 38 (4b) (5) of the Cemeteries Act, the Ministry announced its legal authority to relocate human remains and monuments to facilitate the ambitious project.
“In terms of Section 38 (4b) (5) of the Cemeteries Act (Chapter 5:04), the Minister of Local Government and Public Works hereby gives notice of the intention to remove human remains, memorials, and monuments in the Mount Hampden area to pave way for the establishment of the Cybercity,” the Ministry stated.
The public is invited to submit written objections to the proposed removal within the next three months.
“Any person wishing to object to the proposed action may lodge a written objection within three months of the publication of this notice to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works,” the statement read.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) acting executive director Darlington Munyikwa has previously said the number of graves at the site is about 800.
The Cybercity project, part of the government’s Vision 2030 initiative, was first announced in 2021. The 2,600-hectare development aims to create a high-tech hub with advanced infrastructure, automation, and renewable energy systems.
However, the selected site includes an existing cemetery and several historical monuments and memorials.
