Story by Panashe Nagoli
RESIDENTS of Matapi Flats in Mbare are set to benefit from a major refurbishment project following the commencement of rehabilitation works aimed at improving living conditions and restoring dignity to the community.
The project, being implemented by local firm ED AID1, is expected to be completed within the next four months and seeks to address infrastructure challenges that have affected residents for more than two decades.
For years, inhabitants of the flats have endured deteriorating ablution facilities, ageing sewer systems and poor living conditions. The ongoing rehabilitation programme is expected to transform the residential complex through extensive renovations and infrastructure upgrades.
According to ED AID1, an initiative founded by Engineer Collins Mnangagwa, 14 blocks of the three-storey flats will undergo comprehensive refurbishment to improve their condition and align them with modern housing standards.
Residents welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the project will improve their quality of life.
“We had lost our dignity because of the poor living conditions, and we are happy that it is now being restored through the rehabilitation of these flats,” a resident said.
“I was born in Matapi, and since then I have never witnessed such a rehabilitation programme. I would like to thank Engineer Collins Mnangagwa for this initiative,” another resident said.
“We have been facing serious challenges, including blocked sewer systems and unreliable water supplies. This project is a welcome development, and we are happy that something is finally being done,” another resident said.
The scope of the project includes the rehabilitation of sewer reticulation and plumbing systems, as well as tiling, painting and refurbishment of both interior and exterior structures.
Project Manager for ED AID1, Mr Nigel Chapendama, said the initiative is aimed at improving living standards for residents.
“Engineer Collins Mnangagwa recognised the poor living conditions affecting the people and saw the need to restore their dignity. We are going to rehabilitate everything, including toilets, bathrooms and the general appearance of the flats,” he said.
Another Project Manager, Mr Prince Munangwa, said work is progressing according to schedule.
“The project is expected to take about two weeks per block, and we have 14 blocks to work on. We will be operating around the clock to ensure that we complete the work efficiently while minimising disruptions to residents,” he said.
The ED AID1 organisation focuses on strengthening communities through job creation, local economic development and targeted social support programmes.
Once completed, the refurbishment project is expected to significantly improve living conditions for residents and contribute to the broader renewal of one of Harare’s oldest high-density residential communities.
