Chido Tomu
THE Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities said it has surpassed its target of building 225 000 housing units by 2025.
Minister Daniel Garwe said the target was met by August 31, and a new target of one million housing units by 2025 had been set.
The Urban Development Corporation has overseen the projects, and Minister Garwe assured that it has the necessary financial and human resources to continue meeting the demands of the populace and reaching the target.
The ministry’s rural housing schemes will include flat building projects as well as rural waste management.
UDCORP is also working with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to regularise projects in several areas.
“We are also aware of the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, and because of that mantra, we have taken it to the rural landscape of Zimbabwe in a higher trajectory in terms of ensuring that we provide affordable housing in rural communities.
“We are going to be building flats in the rural areas, and a pilot project is currently underway in Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East.
“This project is going to be done in all 10 provinces in the country. We also have come up with rural waste management which is going to be launched soon in all the 10 provinces.
“We are working together with our sister Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,” said Minister Garwe.
He also warned the land barons that the Ministry will deal with them accordingly.
“There is no space for land barons in the community and people should refrain from buying land from illegal land sellers.”
UDCORP chief executive, Joey Shumbamhini, said they were committed to delivering housing for all.
“UDCORP is also working in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in regularising projects which include, Gimboki in Mutare, Harare South, Caledonia and Hatcliffe,” said Shumbamhini.
UDCORP signed a memorandum of understanding with the Norton Town Council for the construction of a new Norton water treatment plant last month.
“The new Norton water treatment plant is set to produce 40 mega litres of water that will be supplying Knockmalloch and surrounding suburbs,” he said.