Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
GOVERNMENT is accelerating efforts to ease Zimbabwe’s housing deficit through the development of the Dunottar housing project in Seke, Mashonaland East, where more than 10 000 residential stands are planned under a large-scale, phased programme.
The project forms part of broader State-led initiatives to expand access to affordable housing while upgrading essential infrastructure in fast-growing peri-urban communities.
Project supervisor Engineer Patson Masiiwa said the development covers about 600 hectares and is being implemented in four phases, with substantial progress already achieved in the first phase.
“The project covers around 600 hectares divided into four phases. At the moment, we are working on the first phase where we have established about 20 kilometres of road network. About 80 percent of the roads are at base level and ready for tarring.
“Water and sewer reticulation have been completed, and we are now working on storm water drainage and access culverts. We expect phase one to be complete around April or May to allow beneficiaries to start building. The first phase has 1 500 stands, and roads for phase two have already been opened. The entire project will provide about 11 000 stands,” said Engineer Masiiwa.
The project has generated optimism among young people, many of whom are benefiting from employment and prospective housing opportunities.
Some youths expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that it has created jobs and helped steer many away from drug and substance abuse, while also offering hope for home ownership.
ZANU PF Mashonaland East Youth Provincial Chairperson, Honourable Isaac Tasikani, said the project reflects government’s commitment to improving living conditions.
“This residential project is meant to benefit communities through demonstration houses and planned development. It speaks to the broader vision of improving housing delivery and creating opportunities for young people through employment and infrastructure development,” he said.
Nyatsime residents say the project is also improving local infrastructure.
“This project has improved our road network as our area borders the new settlement. Previously, we had challenges with a bridge linking the communities, and during the rainy season learners could miss school because it was impassable. The bridge has now been constructed and the roads upgraded,” said a Nyatsime resident, Mr Lawson Zulu.
Under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), housing delivery remains a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s drive towards achieving upper middle-income status by 2030, with large-scale projects such as Dunottar playing a central role.
