‘Bulawayo civil servants housing model commendable’

THE Accelerated Presidential Housing Scheme that is being implemented by Hawkflight Properties and Maharba Properties for civil servants on the outskirts of Bulawayo is a model that should replicated countrywide.

The ground-breaking event for the project was conducted recently and is expected to deliver about 4 000 housing units shared equally between Hawkflight and Maharba in Emthunzini and west of Nkulumane 12 suburb.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Cde July Moyo, presided over the event and commended the collaboration between Government and private sector in improving standards of living through affordable housing.

The two schemes target civil servants on a zero deposit model, as the Second Republic continues the drive towards Vision 2030 where affordable and decent housing is part of non-monetary benefits.

The National Building Society (NBS) is spearheading the project with financing from the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) pension funds. Maharba and Hawkflight target to deliver 118 units each within the next 60 days.

Already, Hawkflight has developed almost 300 four-roomed units, which are almost ready for occupation while Maharba have completed 12 four-roomed houses and 50-two roomed units with others at various stages of completion.

The programme is centred on affordability and beneficiaries are expected to pay between US$4 145 and US$198 per month. Minister Moyo has indicated that President Mnangagwa will be invited to commission the project for beneficiaries to move in.

He said the programme was initiated after political leaders in Bulawayo approached the President with the request to provide housing for civil servants and the Head of State assigned the Minister of National Housing to help developers come up with the scheme.

“This project initiated by Maharba Properties and Hawkflight Properties has been made possible through the collaborative work and efforts of many,” said the minister.

“As we gather here today we demonstrate our commitment to leading Government initiatives. I hope that what has been achieved here will serve as a model to be replicated in other provinces ultimately covering the whole populace.”

He commended the cooperation between Umguza RDC and Bulawayo City Council.

“Let’s accelerate this into fully fledged accommodation for many people and invite the President who is the initiator, to come and commission,” said Minister Moyo.

“I am particularly happy with the co-ordination that has taken place between the private sector, Government and pension schemes. This is the President’s initiative, he was approached by developers and ruling party led by the chairman of Bulawayo (Cde Jabulani Sibanda) and he then directed the Ministry of National Housing and my Ministry to assist and this is the assistance we ware giving. We hope that Nssa will continue giving money to NBS so that they continue giving housing to civil servants,” he said.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, her Matabeleland North counterpart Richard Moyo who was represented by Tsholotsho South legislator Cde Musa Ncube who is also Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chair Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Umguza ward 16 Councillor Obert Mangwana, private developers, NBS and Nssa officials attended the event.

Deputy Minister Ncube said the country’s national housing backlog is 1,5 million, which should be addressed by 2025 with support from the private sector.
“This is a true testament to the commitment made by the Government towards its fulfilment of the ideals of Vision 2030 as we try to deliver 1,5 million housing units by 2025 while leaving no-one and no place behind,” she said.

“This move is indeed welcome in this province and we are very grateful. The President has opened up such various programmes and platforms towards enhancing the lives of our general population. This is the way to go.”

“This project was initiated by a few people but today we are here all of us, and is a testament to our collective dedication to improving the living standards of our civil servants,” Bulawayo Minister of State, Ncube, said.

“I hope what has been achieved here will serve as a model to be replicated in other provinces ultimately covering the entire nation. This project is a testament of what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal.” — @ncubeleon