Govt works to clear housing backlog

Harare (New Ziana)-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday said Government is determined to meet the rising demand of housing in the country with records indicating that there are over a million applicants on the waiting list.

The President said this as he launched the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy as well as handing over to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, two blocks of flats built
for doctors in Harare’s Marimba suburb.

The building of the medium density blocks of flats is being spearheaded by the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities.

“My government is accelerating the provision of houses and social amenities to all sections of society, including the health sector. Numerous new housing projects and others which had stalled are being completed across the country.

“Success of the programme is being further accelerated through collaboration and coordinated efforts from various stakeholders,” he said.

The housing development projects are being implemented through funding from Treasury as well as local and international private sector participation, said President Mnangagwa.

“Through the application of new building technologies, my Government targets ensuring optimal utilisation of resources in terms of time, cost and job creating. This strategy will see the reduction of the national housing backlog,” he added.

President Mnangagwa said the flats would be allocated to doctors, who form part of the country’s frontline workers in the ongoing fight against Covid-19.

“The provision of such institutional accommodation is part of my Government’s commitment to avail non-monetary incentives for the sterling efforts that medical personnel continue to make towards ensuring the well- being of all citizens countrywide,” he said.

He also unveiled government plans to construct accommodation for other doctors, nurses and health workers in all major hospitals across the country.

“Phase 1 of this project comprises the construction of several blocks of flats, shopping malls and other recreational facilities at Sally Mugabe and Ingutsheni Hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo respectively. Thereafter, the project will cascade to other provincial and district hospitals under phases 2 and 3.

“My government, through the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, has also embarked on a housing programme dedicated for public servants , with discussions on financing modalities already at an advanced stage,” he said.

Turning to the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy he was also launching, President Mnangagwa said it takes into account the impact of dysfunctional settlements, the land barons scourge as well as the adoption of modern housing technologies and structures.

“The new policy extends the scope of housing beyond urban and peri-urban centres to rural and farming communities.

“The National Human Settlements policy further captures Government’s preference for the development of flats as opposed to stand-alone units. Vertical construction reduces the scourge of urban sprawl and maximises on the effective use of land available for urban expansion…,” said President Mnangagwa.

New Ziana