Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba and Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
CIVIL SERVANTS have received a major boost in their welfare as the Government ramps up its efforts to provide modern and affordable institutional accommodation for them across the country.
In line with the Government’s commitment to improving public sector performance, the provision of decent housing is seen as a vital component in elevating service delivery and enhancing employee morale.
This recent development, characterised by the construction of a new residential block for police officers in Harare, demonstrates the Government’s ongoing dedication to ensuring that the welfare of its public servants remains a top priority.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants on Friday through the provision of modern and affordable accommodation.
Speaking during the unveiling of the newly renamed Chimoio Camp Depot, formerly Tomlinson Depot, and the commissioning of the newly constructed residential block for police officers, the President said decent housing for public servants was critical in enhancing service delivery and morale.
The new state-of-the-art flats, which comprise 96 housing units, will be allocated to junior officers, ranging from the ranks of constable to inspector.
President Mnangagwa said the importance of dignified accommodation for any employee could not be overstated, particularly for the country’s law-enforcement officers who play a vital role in maintaining peace and order.
He underscored the need to integrate climate-smart technologies and recreational amenities into housing developments to promote sustainable urban growth, while providing social protection.
“As part of providing decent accommodation, particular focus must be on the integration of climate-smart technologies and the provision of appropriate recreational facilities, among other amenities,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Such consideration will help build climate mitigation and adaptation across the built environment and prevent the youth from engaging in anti-social behaviour such as drugs and substance abuse.”
In an interview yesterday, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda said his ministry was ramping up efforts to provide modern and affordable settlements for Government workers countrywide.
Commissioning of the flats at Chimoio Camp, Minister Soda said, was yet another testament to the Second Republic’s dedication to inclusive development.
“The call by His Excellency, urging the ministry and other relevant bodies to intensify efforts to address the housing needs of Government employees is indeed a commendable move which the ministry has taken on board and is scaling up efforts to address the matter,” he said.
“Several projects have been initiated, with some already commissioned by His Excellency. These include the Marimba Flats, allocated to health professionals, and the Beitbridge Civil Servants Project. Both projects were commissioned by His Excellency.
“Currently, the Marondera Dombotombo flats are at 96 percent completion, with 64 units soon to be made available to civil servants in Mashonaland East.”
In the same province, he said, the ministry had redirected its focus towards rural housing by initiating the construction of flats in Mutawatawa, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, a first under the Second Republic.
Minister Soda said plans were underway to replicate this model across all provinces to ensure equitable access to housing for Government workers in remote areas.
“Additional projects are progressing in Senga, Gweru, in the Midlands province, where 64 units will be delivered to Government employees,” he said.
“In Beitbridge, efforts are underway to complete a previously stalled project. Furthermore, two new developments are taking shape in Siakobvu, Mashonaland West province; and Lupane, Matabeleland North province, aimed at alleviating accommodation challenges by constructing flats and associated amenities.”
In Kasese, Kariba, Mashonaland West province, Minister Soda said the ministry was servicing 992 residential stands designated for civil servants, helping to reduce the overall cost of housing.
The same principle was being applied in Crownlands, Chinhoyi, where more than 1 200 beneficiaries are set to benefit from infrastructure developments.
In Empumalanga, Hwange, Matabeleland North province, the ministry is part of a committee working on exploring tailor-made housing initiatives for civil servants.
These projects are expected to ease the accommodation burden in their respective regions by delivering new housing units, complete with supporting amenities.
To support civil servants who have embarked on building their own homes, Minister Soda said the Government had maintained the Civil Service Housing Loan Facility, which helps cushion them against costs and speed up construction.
“To further support Government employees, the Civil Service Housing Loan Facility remains available to cushion civil servants who have embarked on their own construction projects,” he said.
“The Government has also established the National Housing Joint Committee (NHJC) as a subcommittee of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), whose mandate is to map housing delivery strategies earmarked for Government employees.
“The committee is seized with exploring opportunities for low-cost housing models focused on addressing the public service sector and packages which can be created for the group.”
Under the Second Republic, several housing projects have been implemented to cater for Government employees.
These are part of the one million new housing units targeted by the Government by 2025, in line with the goal to ensure every Zimbabwean has a roof over their head.
The target was revised last year after the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities surpassed the initial target of 220 000 units by 2025, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1.
Tinaye Agere