Story by Bruce Chahwanda
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says his government will continue to provide a conducive environment for private players to flourish in the construction sector.
He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Millennium Heights block of flats in Borrowdale, Harare this Monday where he also commissioned another block of flats with 86 units.
Zimbabwe has registered a boom in the construction sector, with companies seeking to bridge the housing backlog while also considering the changing global trends.
“A vibrant construction sector is the mark of a growing and thriving economy, due to its multiplier effect. My government will continue to facilitate the participation of private sector players in the provision of decent housing and workspaces. I call upon housing and property developers to equally pursue an inclusive approach that covers all strata of our society. Private developers are urged not to neglect those of limited means and capabilities. No one and no place must be left behind.
“It is pleasing that private sector players in the construction industry and housing development sector, such as WestProp Holdings, have taken advantage of the conducive business operating environment being fostered by the Second Republic,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged stakeholders to collaborate in the development of cities for environmentally sustainable settlements.
“The relevant government departments, private players in the housing development sector, along with local authorities, must scale up collaboration and not operate in silos. Collectively, you all have a duty to ensure the holistic and complementary development of our cities without compromising on service delivery,” said the President.
Adherence to green building practices for people to live in harmony with nature was also impressed upon housing developers.
President Mnangagwa said, “As we build the Zimbabwe we want, let us remain cognisant that our land is finite and we must use it prudently, conscious that our population will expand, while our land area is constant. I challenge other real estate developers to take lessons from this initiative and embark on more densified housing construction projects countrywide.
“I equally call upon local authorities to complement such developments by appropriately planning for the growth in population density due to developments of this nature. Hence, we must plan for the long term to avoid knee-jerk reactions as a result of the increased demand for services as a consequence of such good initiatives.”
At least 1000 apartments will be constructed at Millenium Heights in line with the country’s National Human Settlements Policy of densification.
