Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned new blocks of flats in Zvishavane, providing accommodation for over 700 students and more than 50 families. The development is part of the Second Republic’s drive under the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) to deliver decent and affordable housing nationwide.
The US$37.7 million project, funded by the Public Service Pension Fund, was completed within the scheduled timeframe after works commenced in March 2024. President Mnangagwa highlighted that the project demonstrates the capacity of national institutions to execute development initiatives with efficiency and accountability.
“The mixed-use housing and student accommodation projects, which I am officially opening, are the result of a combined investment of US$37.7 million. These projects illustrate how government policies, anchored on efficiency and accountability, can be executed by our national institutions with both urgency and precision. Having commenced works in March 2024 and reaching completion within the set timeframe, the Public Service Pension Fund, and its partners have shown that purposeful execution of national assignments is critically important to accelerate development. This is the standard and work ethic we must uphold across all our public sector entities as we deliver quality infrastructure and services that meet the needs of our people. The principle of value for money, quality workmanship and modern designs as well as timely completion, must now be an embedded characteristic of all public sector infrastructure projects,” he indicated.
The Head of State commended the Public Service Commission for the prudent investment of funds through public private partnerships.
“Beyond playing its part in the physical infrastructure ecosystem, the Public Service Pension Fund remains a vital pillar of social security. It must ensure that our pensioners, who have served this nation with dedication, receive a dignified and sustainable income in retirement. As the Public Service Commission embarks on Phase Two of this development and other strategic projects across Zimbabwe, I urge all stakeholders, community representatives and citizens alike to remain steadfast in advancing our national aspirations. The weighty duty to build our country lies with us.
“To date, our country is rising through the ingenuity, strength and resilience of all our people. Let us keep the momentum and protect the unity, peace and stability which are guarantors of sustainable development. Finally, I want to reaffirm that my Government remains committed to ensuring that the Public Service Pension Fund delivers dignified and sustainable retirement benefits and investments, in an accountable, transparent, prudent and efficient manner. We will do our part and I trust that the Public Service Commission and all partners will do theirs.”
The project is estimated to have created at least 3 000 employment opportunities for skilled and non-skilled individuals.
Government continues to scale up development across the country under the leaving no one and no place behind mantra.
