Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy continues to bear fruit

Model houses in Swallowfields Gated Community – Norton

The Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy (ZNHS) is bearing fruit as private land developers have taken uo the government’s call for partnerships in housing delivery. Cape Valley Properties launched Swallowfields Gated Community Estate in Norton recently where a total of 1 550 stands have been developed.

 The Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Honourable Daniel Garwe was the Guest of Honour at this event. He expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe’s private sector for partnering government in reducing the housing backlog which now stands at 2 million. Speaking during the launch, Minister Garwe said he was impressed with what he saw, in line with the National Human Settlements Policy. The developer ensured that requisite infrastructure such as roads, water, water and energy was available before families could move in. Some of the amenities in this settlement include a petrol station, two schools, churches, supermarkets, a creche, a medical centre and commercial stands. Swallowfields Gated Community has heeded government’s call for densification as it has land reserved for flats in this project.

At a time when the world and Zimbabwe are battling the climate change menace, Cape Valley Properties has developed modern designs with state-of-the-art sewer and water reticulation systems which allow for the recycling and reuse of grey water. Additionally, there is a biodigester on-site to recycle waste and produce biogas.

“Government continues to facilitate housing delivery,” Minister Garwe said and called for continued partnership in the development of Rural Districts so as to minimize rural-urban migration and to allow for the flourishing of rural economies. People should be able to live, work and play in their settlements regardless of location. The Ministry has taken lead in the revitalisation of rural areas and has made inroads into the construction of flats. Mutawatawa District in Mashonaland East will be the first to benefit from this initiative where the Ministry is building flats for civil servants. Government is also seeking partners for the development of smart cities in areas such as Melfort, Figtree, and Chirundu. The Housing Delivery National Development Strategy thematic cluster has recorded a 71% mark on its NDS 1 target of constructing 220 000 units by 2025, having delivered 156 000 units thus far through combined efforts and in line with the settlement policy. The Government of Zimbabwe continues to pursue social housing to cater for low-income earners and civil servants whilst other partners cater for 70-80% of housing delivery through providing various housing schemes.

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