Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT has set an ambitious target of delivering 100 000 housing units in Mashonaland West Province by 2030, building on the more than 30 000 units completed during the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) period through partnerships with the private sector, local authorities and investors.
The target forms part of efforts to address the growing demand for housing while advancing the country’s Vision 2030 agenda of creating modern, sustainable and prosperous communities.
Stakeholders involved in housing development projects say collaboration between Government and private developers is proving critical in accelerating housing delivery across the province.
Vine City Developer, Mr Mind Musokeri said private sector participation is complementing Government efforts while creating employment opportunities for young people.
“As a young Zimbabwean entrepreneur, I strongly believe that the youth have a critical role to play in the attainment of Vision 2030. Through Vine City, we are developing modern, quality housing units that complement the Government’s Urban Renewal and Human Settlements programmes. Beyond providing accommodation, these projects are creating employment opportunities for young people and stimulating economic activity within our communities,” he said.
Mashonaland West Council of Contractors Chairperson, Mr Kainosi Gwazeni said Government reforms have enabled local contractors to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure and housing development.
“We commend the whole-of-society approach being championed by the Government towards national development. As contractors, our objective is to complement the Government’s efforts in delivering housing units and reducing the national housing backlog. We are particularly grateful for the ease-of-doing-business reforms, which have created opportunities for local contractors to participate meaningfully in infrastructure and housing development projects,” he said.
Local authorities say they are working closely with developers to ensure orderly urban expansion and compliance with planning regulations.
Chinhoyi Mayor, Councillor Owen Charuza said the council is prioritising the provision of supporting infrastructure for new settlements.
“As council, we are maintaining close collaboration with developers and contractors to ensure full compliance with planning regulations and national policies. We are also monitoring the provision of critical infrastructure such as roads, water reticulation systems and sewer networks so that housing developments meet the standards envisioned under Vision 2030 and the Zimbabwe Human Settlements Policy,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said the province’s performance under NDS1 provides a strong foundation for achieving the new target.
“The whole-of-society approach continues to be a key driver of development in our province. We commend private sector players such as Vine City for heeding His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call that ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’. Through collective efforts, we managed to deliver over 30,000 housing units during NDS1, and we are now targeting 100,000 units by 2030. We are confident that with continued collaboration among Government, local authorities and investors, this target is achievable,” she said.
The housing programme is expected to contribute to economic growth, job creation and improved living standards while supporting Government’s broader urban development and human settlements agenda.
