Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
GOVERNMENT has partnered with academic, research and professional institutions to accelerate housing delivery and social amenities development as part of efforts to achieve targets set under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2).
The collaboration is expected to strengthen innovation, research and technical expertise in support of Zimbabwe’s drive towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Professor Paul Mavima, said research and innovation are critical enablers of sustainable housing development and national economic growth.
“Research and development drive economic development and, by extension, support housing delivery. Universities and other academic institutions have introduced innovation hubs under Education 5.0. I challenge you today to bring to the table innovations in alternative building technologies, alternative wastewater management systems, innovative water treatment systems, housing database management systems and other information management systems.
“Housing delivery is a complex endeavour that requires strong synergies. By pooling our strengths, we can overcome financing constraints and infrastructure gaps through continuous research and knowledge sharing. Let us commit to building a robust foundation for collaboration, one anchored in shared responsibility and a common vision for national development,” he said.
Academic institutions welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between research and practical development needs.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment, Art and Design at Midlands State University, Dr Charles Paradza, said institutions of higher learning are ready to contribute expertise and innovation to government projects.
“We are ready to support applied research and student placement on government projects. This collaboration ensures our graduates solve real problems in communities,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners also pledged its support towards the country’s housing development agenda.
“We pledge to work with the government to ensure modern housing infrastructure and amenities are affordable and accessible to all residents in the country as we move towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” said the institute’s representative, Dr Admire Mudawu.
Under NDS2, Government aims to deliver one million housing units by 2030, while also expanding access to clean water, sanitation and other essential social amenities as part of broader efforts to improve living standards and drive inclusive development.
