Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating of the World Habitat Day at a belated ceremony held on 17 November 2021 in Beitbridge.

The belated World Habitat Day commemorations which ought to have been held on Monday the 4th of October 2021 were held under the theme: ‘Accelerating urban action for a carbon free world’.

This is in view that cities are responsible for almost 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy and waste fumes accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions. The future of our planet depends on national, regional and local governments and organisations, communities, academic institutions, the private sector and all relevant stakeholders working together to create sustainable, carbon –neutral, inclusive cities and towns.

Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in this commemoration with messages targeting the development of smart cities. This was premised on the achievement of an upper middle income society by 2030 aimed at improving the living conditions of citizens through provision of decent housing.

The smart city concept which the Government has adopted, maps the way forward in promoting urban development which provides core infrastructure and gives a decent quality of life to Zimbabweans within a clean and sustainable environment while applying smart solutions.

The key elements for the development of smart cities are:

•            Adequate water supply

•            Assured power supply

•            Sanitation

•            Affordable housing

•            Robust ICT connectivity

•            Good governance

•            Safety and security of citizens

•            Adequate health and education