Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
TEACHERS in Bulawayo have welcomed a housing stands programme spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), describing it as a major boost to home ownership and welfare.
A total of 59 educators from across the Matabeleland region received residential stands and allocation certificates during a handover ceremony held in Vulindlela, Matabeleland South Province, on Saturday.
The initiative, being rolled out nationwide, is designed to provide decent accommodation for teachers while complementing Government efforts to improve living conditions for civil servants.
Recipients said the programme had turned a long-held dream of owning property into reality.
“I am so excited about the ZIMTA programme and the G&G Property Developers stands project. We were not expecting to be landlords, but we joined with hope, and today we are thrilled to receive our stands,” said Mqokikweni High School teacher Ms Unity Hove.
MCZ High School teacher Mr Future Mudenda said the allocation fulfilled a promise made to educators.
“I want to thank ZIMTA and G&G Properties for delivering on their promise. We now have our stands here in Bulawayo,” he said.
Manager High School teacher Mr Bukhosi Ntaisi said the programme would have a lasting impact on his family.
“I am excited that, at my age, I will have my own home in the City of Bulawayo. This is a place where we can build for our families and secure our future,” he said.
ZIMTA said the housing programme is being implemented in all provinces as part of efforts to improve teachers’ welfare and ensure access to quality accommodation.
“Our aim is for teachers to have places to stay close to their workplaces. This programme complements Government efforts to provide decent accommodation for teachers,” said ZIMTA Public Relations Manager Ms Daisy Zambuko.
“These stands are fully serviced, with roads, water and sewer infrastructure already in place.”
The initiative is expected to ease accommodation challenges facing teachers while promoting home ownership and improving welfare across Zimbabwe.
