The agency has been carrying out an environmental impact assessment on the project, amid ongoing protest and resistance from conservation groups and members of the public. The assessment results are now reportedly expected sometime this week.
The site of the mega shopping complex is the cause of much of the controversy, because the plans are to build the mall on the Borrowdale wetlands. The property developers have insisted the site is not a wetlands area.
This is contrary to the opinion of conservationists as well as a government gazette from August this year, which moved to protect 26 wetland areas in and around the capital, including the Borrowdale wetlands. The gazetting process was reportedly flawed and has been repealed until later in October, to allow for objections. This will be re-gazetted on November 1st.
The site of the project has caused so much upheaval that even the state run Herald newspaper has printed a critical opinion piece about the development. The article says the value of wetlands are being undermined.
But it now appears the project will be going ahead, with the property developers confidently proposing that the mall will be completed by October 2014. West Properties managing director Mike van Blerk was quoted this week has saying that they do expect to receive their environmental certification this week.
The multi million dollar shopping complex, commissioned by Vice President Joice Mujuru and costing more than US$100 million, is a joint venture involving Augur Investments, McCormick Property Development and West Properties. Also linked to the Mall is ZANU PF Minister Ignatius Chombo and controversial businessman Ken Sharpe. SW Radio Africa
Post published in: News