Chronicle Editor
Vincent Gono in Binga
A SIGNIFICANT life-transforming development is shaping up in Binga District, in Matabeleland North Province where 37 housing units constructed by the Government for villagers who were displaced by floods in 2019 are ready for handover.
The anticipated handover of the completed houses is scheduled for next week, pending the completion of essential amenities such as toilets.
The completion of the houses is a milestone development that brings an end to the discomfort of the villagers accustomed to the traditional pole and dagga houses.
The 37 two-bedroomed brick and cement houses — distinct from the prevalent grass-thatched shelters — now line the sides of the road, reflecting a pivotal architectural shift for the community.
These new homes stand as a testament to Government intervention following the devastating floods that swept through the Nsungwale community in 2019, displacing a number of villagers. The affected villagers have been relocated to higher ground where the Government constructed modern structures to provide them with a safer living environment.
A recent site visit by the Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Jorum Gumbo revealed that all was in place now for the beneficiaries to move into their new accommodation.
He was briefed by engineers overseeing the construction that they were putting the final touches to the ablution facilities before the handover of the new houses that is expected next week.
“All the houses are complete,” an engineer confirmed.
He expressed optimism that the handover would proceed smoothly saying the delay in completing the project was caused mainly by logistical challenges such as initial issues with incorrect materials and a shortage of skilled labour.
He said the locals that they were working with lacked basic skills and recommended to the Government the need for vocational training to be prioritised so that the youths benefit.
Dr Gumbo stressed the need for the projects to be done within the set timelines to avoid frustrating the intended beneficiaries.
“The longer the project takes, the more frustrated those who need these homes become,” he remarked, urging for a culture of efficiency aligned with the Government’s commitment to timely project completions.
He emphasised that the era of delays must end, advocating for a Second Republic approach where all initiatives are completed promptly.
He said despite budgetary constraints where resources are divided between equally deserving projects, the Government has ensured that the people of Binga are prioritised in line with the instructive approach of leaving no one and no place behind in development.
Dr Gumbo said there was enough space for expansion after being told that among the beneficiaries there were some polygamous families.
Nsungwale community in Chief Sinakoma is notably susceptible to flooding due to the confluence of four rivers – Sibwambwa, Sikanda, Mamapande and Manyenyengwa. As part of a broader strategy to mitigate flooding risks, the Government ensured that the new houses were constructed on higher ground, significantly reducing the vulnerability of villagers.
In light of climate change-induced flood incidents and the urgent need for robust housing solutions, particularly in Binga, the Government has expanded its rural housing delivery programme to rectify historical issues of sub-standard construction materials often used in rural housing projects.
The houses in the Nsungwale area are a testimony of the ongoing development efforts to meet the housing needs of rural communities.
With the completion of the houses, the Binga flood victims are set to receive not only shelter but hope for a more secure future supported by the Government’s commitment to developing previously marginalised areas.
Online Reporter