Story by Tambaoga Gora
THOUSANDS of youths in Chegutu are set to benefit from a low-cost housing scheme courtesy of a partnership between Chegutu Municipality and Patriotic Youths Consolidated for Economic Development.
In an apparent display of political maturity, Chegutu Municipality councillors have endorsed the inclusive housing scheme despite political differences with the organisation spearheading the project, much to the delight of the beneficiaries, most of them youths.
The local authority has since availed a 30-hectare piece of land for the first phase of the housing scheme.
“The scheme is a life changer to most of the youths who have never dreamt of owning a house,” said one of the youths.
Another added, “I would like to thank PYCED for initiating this project. At this age we were still leaving with our parents which is not comfortable.”
Patriotic Youths Consolidated for Economic Development chairman, Cde Obert Chinogwenya outlined the scope of the programme while Chegutu Municipality Mayor, Councillor Henry Muchatibaya reaffirmed the local akuthority’s support for the project.
“We approached the council after noticing a housing challenge affecting our members and we would like to thank the local authority for assenting to our proposal despite our varying political affiliations.
“So we are in constant talks with the municipality to release more land for our members, this is the first phase which we anticipate to benefit 500 youths. We, however, have a database of about 7 000 members and we hope to leverage on our relationship with the council to acquire more land to assist more people,” he said.
“As Chegutu municipality, we are in full support of this housing scheme. It has our full blessings even our minister of the local government is aware of this project. As Chegutu municipality, we move in line with the President’s vision,” said Chegutu Mayor, Cllr Henry Muchatibaya.
Speaking at the project groundbreaking ceremony, ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Youth chairperson, Cde Tapiwa Masenda challenged local authorities to prioritise the national vision ahead of individual or political interests.
“Chegutu municipality is composed of ZANU PF, CCC and MDCT councillors, but they have put aside their political contestations to support Patriotic Youths Consolidated for Economic Development. This is a commendable move which I wish all councils to emulate,” he said.
The government has reviewed the housing delivery target to one million housing units by 2025 after indications the previous 220 000 target will be achieved by the end of this year.
