Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the Second Republic prioritises the well-being of the citizenry.
He was speaking at the commissioning of four blocks of flats in Harare’s Dzivarasekwa suburb, whose main beneficiaries are families that were affected by flash floods in Budiriro.
In December 2023, some residents of Budiriro whose houses were built on wetlands had their homes submerged in water while some were marooned after incessant rains, resulting in the death of a six-year-old boy.
This Thursday was a good day for some of the affected households as they were handed over new accommodation at the newly constructed Dzivarasekwa flats.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was in Dzivarasekwa to commission the four blocks of flats which will house 48 families, said the flats were built in response to the natural disaster that struck Budiriro residents.
“The four blocks of flats which have the capacity to house 48 households, were built in response to the natural disaster that struck our Budiriro residents, where some houses were submerged and others swept away by floods. A precious young life was lost and property destroyed. Through this gesture the Second Republic is showing its resolve to respect the principles of humanity and human dignity,” he said.
The Head of State said with the country’s growing population, high-rise apartments are the way to go, with quality workmanship being critical.
He added, “Further in line with our densification thrust my government is setting the tone with regard to ensuring that 40% of land for human settlement development is reserved for the construction of high-rise apartments. Similar projects are being implemented by the Second Republic across the country.”
Turning to land barons, President Mnangagwa said the government will leave no stone unturned in efforts to stop this malpractice.
“Further my government is stamping its authority on the scourge of land barons and will leave no stone unturned in efforts to stop this malpractice. These malcontents have spread their wings to our rural areas, including in growth points, peri-urban areas, district service centers, rural services and villages in our communal areas. I impose the traditional leaders to be alert, vigilant and ensure that proper procedures are followed in parcelling out land,” said the President.
The President also reiterated that the Second Republic will regularise some of the settlements.
“Cognizant of the fact that some unsuspecting citizens had already fallen victim to the land barons my government has embarked on a program of regularising some of the settlements,” he said.
President Mnangagwa handed over keys to Mr Taurai Mukonachimwa, the father of the child who was swept away by the Budiriro floods.
The Second Republic is on a drive to reduce the country’s housing backlog which stands at around 1,5 million units.
