Zimpapers Logo

East 24 owner Mr Ernest Madziro (left), outgoing Government ministers Walter Mzembi, Webster Shamu, Ignatius Chombo, businessman Mr Farai Jere and investor and former US Congressman Mel Reynolds share a lighter moment at the launch of the Hilton Hotel construction plan in Harare yesterday.

Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
CONSTRUCTION of the US$145 million five-star Hilton Hotel and office complex along Samora Machel Avenue in Eastlea, Harare, is scheduled to begin in April next year, Streamwalk Arcade director Mr Farai Jere has said. Mr Jere’s company is spearheading the project, whose construction was initially pencilled to start next month, in conjunction with his partners Hilton Worldwide and Aecom. Speaking at an occasion where he was issued with the Hilton Harare Mixed Use Development Bankable Document, Mr Jere said the project was expected to be completed in late 2016.

“The five-star hotel will provide six star services,” he said.
“We came up with the idea after realising that there was need to improve our tourism facilities in Harare and create a world class tourism centre.”

Mr Jere said the project would consist of a retail component whose construction is expected to cost US$7,6 million, office component costing US$38 million, the hotel at US$57 million and basement parking costing US$11 million, among other costs.

Speaking at the same occasion, outgoing Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo said Zimbabwe was running out of five star hotels and commended Mr Jere and his partners for coming up with the project.

“This is going to help in a significant way,” he said.
“A lot of major airlines are applying to come and operate in the country and use Harare as their hub. The location of the hotel is ideal. You should link the hotel to the golf course, which is paying council only US$1 a month.”

Most sports clubs in the city pay little amounts to the city for land after they signed contracts specifying the amounts a long time ago.
Minister Chombo said the project brought excitement and economic benefits to the country in that it creates employment. He said he would assist if the project faced any hurdles.

Outgoing Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said Government supported such initiatives.
“The project as you can see has the support of the party which forms the Government,” he said.

“The project would be a success if you manage the procurement process.”
Eng Mzembi said there was need to visit some by laws which were hindering development in the country.

The development comes with a 12-storey 200-bed hotel, three office complexes and residential apartments.
A conference centre with capacity to carry up to 600 delegates, basement car park with capacity to hold 1 000 vehicles, retail shops, three office blocks and eateries complement the project.