Call to speed up funds release for Senga suburb flats project

THE construction of Government flats in Senga suburb in Gweru is now at 40 percent complete amid calls for Treasury to release funds to enable the contractor to complete the project by the end of the year.

The project, which is part of the Government’s housing development programme, was halted last year due to an impasse between the contractor and suppliers.

Construction works resumed last February after marathon meetings between the contractor and Government officials.

The project is part of the 14 national priority projects under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), targeting to deliver affordable and quality housing in urban and rural areas.

In 2021, President Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, a medium-term programme envisaged to drive national housing development where Government, the private sector and individuals are partnering to reduce the housing backlog, which stands at around 1,2 million.

On Tuesday the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube led Government officials from the province on a tour of the project to assess progress.

“I want to commend the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities for initiating the construction of this block of flats with 64 units. I, however, want to implore the ministry and Treasury to expedite the disbursement of funds to ensure timeous completion of this project which is now 40 percent complete, ” said Minister Ncube.

He emphasised the need to adhere to the work ethics of the Second Republic to ensure provision of quality and affordable services to the people in line with Vision 2030.

Minister Ncube said infrastructure development initiatives that include construction of roads, dams, houses, schools, clinics and airports among others are critical in stimulating economic recovery and growth.

He said the work underway in Senga resonates with the Second Republic’s desire to modernise and industrialise the country in order to improve livelihoods.

“The Second Republic has invested significantly in infrastructure development as a key accelerator to economic transformation despite limited access to external lines of credit due to illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and its Western allies,” said Minister Ncube.

He said Government’s bold and strategic policy decisions to mobilise local resources to fund development has ensured economic growth despite the illegal sanctions.

“Hard work, determination, resilience and unity of purpose has enabled the Second Republic to boost investor confidence, attract partnerships and funding hence the delivery of quality infrastructure being witnessed across the country,” said Minister Ncube.