New Zimbabwe Parliament Building at Mount Hampden, Harare

The new Zimbabwe Parliament Building sits on an area of 50,000m2 in Mount Hampden, approximately 18km northwest of the South African country’s capital, Harare.

Built by Shanghai Construction Group, the imposing six-story building is set to be the new home to the joint sittings of the Senate and the National Assembly. The two chambers will have extra facilities such as two conference centers each with a capacity to accommodate 350 people, a banquet hall capable of accommodating 1,000 people, offices for parliamentary officers, and many boardrooms for parliamentary committee sessions as well as a parking space.

The US$ 140m project’s architectural design borrows heavily from the country’s traditional setting, and city plans such as Dhlo Dhlo, and Great Zimbabwe.

An overview of the design of the building

As in traditional settings, the central focal point where the important issues of rural life were and still are debated will be the meeting place or the Chamber of the House in the new Zimbabwe parliament building. The level of the upper chamber or Senate is placed at a level above that of the Lower House depicting hierarchical status and just as in the traditional setting, both chambers are placed where quiet and parliamentary `sanctity’ will prevail.

Also Read: Construction works on new parliament building in Zimbabwe stalls

Around this core (Chamber of the House) will be the Committee Rooms, Ministerial Offices, Secretariats, and other ancillary offices, replicating the stratification of village homesteads where houses/huts are built or located according to the social status of the occupant. The first wife’s hut is normally built near the center of the homestead and the huts of the herd’s men/boys at the outer circumference.

The gracious curve of the main entrance to the Great Enclosure at Great Zimbabwe, together with the rising change of level has been evoked in the powerful entry statement conceptualized for the Parliament. The surrounding wall of the traditional village is captured in the strong enclosure statement of the high walls required by the nature of the new site. Also, if you analyze the siting of important traditional spaces you will notice that these were positioned on prominent hilltops so that the surrounding area is dominated by the presence of the massed structures.

In regards to the city planning, just as with Naletale and the Temple Complex of Great Zimbabwe, to enter the parliament complex one will have to follow a circular route around the structure until the main axial approach is reached at the entrance level.

The three-dimensional form and use of materials further emphasize the paramount indigenous concepts of the parliament building. Prestigious local materials such as granite in the polished and unpolished form are envisaged and the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs to place the building in a totally Zimbabwean setting.  Artwork and decorative elements are also proposed to illustrate aspects of Zimbabwean life and culture.

All elements were directed to a final overall concept of a truly unique native structure that can be proudly and truly Zimbabwean in every aspect.

Let’s take a look at the project’s timeline for the Zimbabwe parliament building

2016

Construction of parliament building in Zimbabwe hit by delays

The construction of a state-of-the-art parliament building in Zimbabwe has been hit by delays due to what officials say is poor infrastructure like roads, and sewer among other preliminary civil works.

The Construction of the Parliament building was one of the several mega contracts signed between Zimbabwe and China when President Mugabe paid a State visit to China in August 2014.

His Chinese counterpart, Mr. Xi Jinping, later followed up to seal the deals in December last year.

Mr. Pan Yunhe, the Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson and national committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference said there were a number of issues concerning civil works that they were waiting to be completed by Zimbabwe in relation to the agreement before they could move in.

Mr. Pan, who led a Chinese delegation, said this in a meeting with the Senate President Cde Edna Madzongwe and, members of the parliamentary portfolio committee on Foreign Affairs under the leadership of Makonde MP, Cde Kindness Paradza (Zanu-PF) at Parliament building in Harare yesterday.

Mr. Huang Ping, the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, who was also in attendance, challenged the leadership of Parliament to consult with their counterparts in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing to ensure the hasty and timely implementation of the work.

Parliament clerk, Mr. Kennedy Chokuda, said they were hoping to bring up the matter with Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.

Cde Madzongwe told the Chinese delegation that they would work to solve the issues so that construction of the building can start as soon as possible.

The construction at the new parliament building will ease space limitations for legislators especially those in the National Assembly, whose number is way beyond its capacity, as a result of the increase in the number of legislators.

The current parliament has a capacity is about 150 against 270 legislators, while the new proposed parliament building will have a carrying capacity of 500 legislators.

At the meeting, Mr. Pan explained how China had transformed itself into an economic powerhouse in the past three decades.

He said one of the key policies was for China to open up herself to the rest of the countries and increase her cooperation with all nations including Africa.

September 2018

Zimbabwe set to commence construction of US $14m new parliament

Construction of a US $14m new parliament in Mt Hampden, Zimbabwe is set to commence soon following the identification and approval of a contractor by China. This is according to Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda.

“More exciting for Parliament is the assurance by His Excellency the Ambassador that the contractor has been identified and approved by the government of China to come to Zimbabwe and construct the new Parliament of Zimbabwe at Mt Hampden,” said Adv Mudenda.

Also read:Zimbabwe to construct a modern green building

The new parliament

The parliament will consist of two chambers; the Senate (upper chamber), the House of Assembly (lower chamber) which is expected to accommodate joint seats of the National Assembly, and the Senate. The new structure will have extra facilities for conferencing, 12 committee rooms adequate space for office staff, and hectares of parking space.

Mr. Jacob further added that everything required for the project has been put in place and it is expected to be completed between 18 to 24 months. It is estimated to create 3000 jobs for the people of Matabeleland North who will also have houses constructed for the workers.

“Knowing the work ethic of the Chinese in terms of completing their projects in record time, without compromising on quality, Parliament should be completed in a space of between 18 months to two years,” said Mudenda.

Implementing on other projects

Additionally, as a way of improving and developing the country, the government has also implemented a number of projects including the completion of the Kariba South power station which is now producing 300MW of electricity, and has completed other civil works and infrastructures like new roads, electricity supply, and water reticulation.

Furthermore, Adv Mudenda expressed his excitement over President Mnangagwa addressing glitches that had been stalling the implementation of several other projects. He hoped Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube would find funds to pay debts the Government owes the Chinese government to accelerate the implementation of megaprojects.

November 2018

Groundbreaking ceremony announced

Construction works on the new parliament in Zimbabwe that will cost  US $140m is set to commence soon with an aim to end the overcrowding being faced in the august House.

July Moyo, Minister of  Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing confirmed the reports and said that President Mnangagwa will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony to commission the project. The ceremony will also include laying the foundation of the new parliament.

The Chinese-funded project is estimated to be completed in two years with China releasing US $45m for the project. Moyo added that the contractors estimated that the outer building would be completed in a year. So far, a housing compound that will house more than 40 technicians who would be working there has already been constructed.

The new parliament will accommodate joint sittings of the Senate and the National Assembly. The two chambers will have extra facilities such as office space for the staff, parking space, 12 committee rooms, and conference facilities.

Also read: Zimbabwe to construct US $14m new parliament

Mt Hampden, the modern city

Construction of the parliament in Mt Hampden is expected to trigger more development around the area such as banking halls, residential areas, government buildings, universities, technological centers, and shopping centers.  The new parliament access road that is nearing completion is also under construction.

Mr. Moyo earlier stated that Mt. Hampden is striving to achieve a city status that is determined not by population per se but by the infrastructure. It is 18 km away from Harare. The area is free from congestion and limitations from the city center and there is ample land for the development of more infrastructure.

President Mnangagwa’s vision of making Zimbabwe a middle-class economy by 2030  has been the driving force for the project. The vision emphasizes more on service delivery in his government and accountability from the government officials and local authorities.

December 2018

Construction kicks off

Construction work on Zimbabwe’s new parliament building has been kick-started by President Mnangagwa at a foundation stone laying ceremony carried out recently.

The project is being funded by a grant from the Chinese government that will aid the cash-strapped country in realizing its dream of replacing its current August house which was constructed in the colonial era with a seating capacity of 100 but which currently accommodates over 200 lawmakers. The new building will be able to accommodate over 650.

The new project is located on Mt Hampton about 18 kilometers northwest of the capital Harare. It is envisaged that the building will become the nucleus around which a smart city will emerge offering housing, hotels, and shopping amenities.

According to an artist’s impression, the building has a circular layout with an outer perimeter that will have offices and an inner core that will accommodate the main floor of the house. It will cover a floor area of about 33 thousand square meters

Some estimates put the construction of the new parliament building at US$46 million which will be funded by a grant from the Chinese government which had been a heavy supporter of the previous regime of Robert Mugabe and appears to be continuing this trend. The project was first mooted when the former president visited China in 2014 but its construction was hampered by a lack of infrastructure such as roads and water to enable construction work to start.

The construction work is being carried out by the Shanghai Construction Group which is one of the twenty largest construction companies in the world. It has had several operations on the continent of Africa ranging from housing, and hotel construction as well as mining.  The construction of Zimbabwe’s parliament building is expected to take 32 months.

November 2019

Construction of US $140m new parliament in Zimbabwe on track

The construction of a new parliament building in Zimbabwe is on track. Shanghai Construction Group, project manager for the building Cai Li Bo, during a tour of the site, said that the project was ahead of schedule despite economic bottlenecks affecting operations.

Construction of the project was commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018 during which the president confirmed that China provided a US $140m grant for the project with an aim to end the overcrowding being faced in the August House.

Also Read:US $58m Parliament Complex in Congo nears completion

New parliament building

The new parliament building’s architectural design borrows heavily from the iconic Great Zimbabwe Monuments which is one of the country’s leading tourist resorts and Unesco World Heritage from which the country derives its name.

The imposing six-story parliament building will accommodate joint sittings of the Senate and the National Assembly. The two chambers will have extra facilities such as office space for the staff, parking space, 12 committee rooms, and conference facilities.

The new parliament is located in Mount Hampden, 18km northwest of the national capital, Harare. Mt. Hampden is striving to achieve a city status that is determined not by population but by infrastructure. The area is free from congestion and limitations from the city center and there is ample land for more infrastructure.

Development

Construction of the parliament in Mt Hampden is expected to trigger more development around the area such as banking halls, residential areas, government buildings, universities, technological centers, and shopping centers. The new parliament access road is also under construction.

President Mnangagwa’s vision of making Zimbabwe a middle-class economy by 2030  has been the driving force for the project. The vision emphasizes more on service delivery in his government and accountability from the government officials and local authorities.

July 2020

Structural works on the new parliament building in Zimbabwe are now complete

Structural works on the six-story Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe is now 100% complete; only internal and external endeavors to enhance the beauty of the structure and make it usable remain. Such works to do with electricity, water supplies, air conditioning, and all that which makes habitation comfortable, are what they are working on now.

Construction of the building whose concept was born in 1983 with the Kopje area in Harare as the proposed site, is being undertaken on a 6-hectare stand in Mount Hampden, about 20km from the City of Harare along Old Mazowe Road.

Also Read: US $58m Parliament Complex in Congo nears completion

The new building

Construction works on the new parliament building in Mt. Hampden, Zimbabwe have stalled due to COVID-19 global travel restrictions. According to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Chinese contractors working on the project were stuck in China due to the restrictions but have since been cleared to travel and are expected in Zimbabwe very soon. However, due to this delay, construction will be completed in September next year, six months behind schedule.

“There has been tremendous progress and achievements in terms of construction. I am sure the constraints came around as a result of Covid-19. I am sure that we would have far advanced where we are now. Arrangements have been made for technicians who have been out of the country to come and I believe that from next year, construction would be in pace,” said the president.

Also Read: Tata Projects to construct new Indian parliament building in New Delhi

 Zimbabwe’s new Parliament building

The new US $140m parliament building’s architectural design borrows heavily from the iconic Great Zimbabwe Monuments which is one of the country’s leading tourist resorts and Unesco World Heritage from which the country derives its name.

The imposing six-storey parliament building will accommodate joint sittings of the senate and the national assembly. The two chambers will have extra facilities such as office space for the staff, parking space, 12 committee rooms, and conference facilities.

The new parliament is located in Mount Hampden, 18km northwest of the national capital, Harare. Mt. Hampden is striving to achieve a city status that is determined not by population but by infrastructure. The area is free from congestion and limitations from the city center and there is ample land for more infrastructure.

Development

Construction of the parliament in Mt Hampden is expected to trigger more development around the area such as banking halls, residential areas, government buildings, universities, technological centers, and shopping centers. The new parliament access road is also under construction.

December 2021

Zimbabwe’s New Parliament Building to be Completed in 2022

The construction of Zimbabwe’s New Parliament Building, which China sponsored, has reached its last stage, with the edifice expected to be turned over to the African country’s government in the first months of 2022, according to China Central Television (CCTV). The Chinese state-owned Shanghai Construction Group is constructing the new six-story structure on the outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. The main conference space will seat 650 people, whereas the existing one can only accommodate 100.

Also Read: Shelter Afrique to construct 10 000 housing units in Zimbabwe

High-ranking government officials, including Ziyambi Ziyambi, the minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; July Moyo, the minister of Local Government and Public Works; and Clemence Chiduwa, the deputy minister of Finance and Economic Development, recently visited the project site for an assessment of the building. Minister Ziyambi said the high-powered group toured the project to check progress and talk with contractors about completion timelines. He added that they were assured that the project would be finished in March 2022.

Zimbabwe’s New Parliament Building Features

Additional conference facilities, committee rooms, larger office spaces, and a parking lot will be available at the new Legislative Branch of Zimbabwe headquarters. The renovation is part of a larger infrastructure project that involves the development of a new city near the building. The Chinese construction corporation has also promoted the transmission of information to local workers as part of the project. The Chinese construction business’s site manager, Cai Libo, revealed that the company had engaged local specialists to help with the project’s construction. He went on to say that the corporation and the employees had created a great relationship.

“They have formed a good alliance with us and have also been very good helpers. In this regard, we have imparted technical knowledge and construction skills, allowing many local workers to improve their job skills, “Cai Libo stated.

Zimbabwe’s New Parliament Building which began construction in November 2018, will be finished early next year and turned over to local authorities in April. This structure is the most recent Beijing-funded structure in a southern African country.

Jul 2022

New Mount Hampden Parliament building outfitted with world-class equipment and furniture

The state-of-the-art new Mount Hampden Parliament building, which is now 95% complete, has been outfitted with world-class equipment and furniture. Only two of the six stories are still under construction as one of the country’s largest development projects nears completion.

Mr. Zvinechimwe Churu, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works said the 32-month project was intended to be completed in July last year but was delayed by eight months because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“The project’s primary buildings will be finished by the end of this month. With the exception of the car park area, we estimate the civil works around the building to be completed by the end of April. While the contractor is still working in that location, we allow them time to mobilize and remove their equipment. When that is completed, the parking lot will be built,” explained Mr. Churu.

He also revealed that they want to hire the Shanghai Construction Group to design the car park in order to retain the same level of excellence. Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company has done an excellent job in terms of energy.