daniel chigunwe
Andrew Muvishi
Mashonaland East Correspondent
The construction of blocks of flats in Marondera is nearing completion, as the Second Republic presses on with its commitment to provide decent and affordable housing for civil servants.
Construction of the Marondera flats is being done in two phases, the first being the construction of four blocks accommodating 63 families, and the second phase being the construction of two blocks benefiting 32 families.
Government says it will deliver 220 000 houses by 2025, of which 186 000 units have been constructed in two years.
In an interview, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Aplonia Munzverengwi, said Government was working tirelessly to improve the lives of people, in line with the attainment of Vision 2030 of an upper middle income society.
Minister Munzverengwi praised the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa for providing funds for the construction of affordable houses.
“I want to commend the Government under President Mnangagwa for availing these funds. Our peoples’ lives are being improved,” she said.
“We have great development here in Marondera, and these walk-up flats will go a long way in reducing the housing backlog. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for his vision, which falls under NDS1 objective of delivering 220 000 housing units and we are now certain that we are going to meet the target.
“We have seen blocks of flats which are (almost) completed here in Marondera. By doing so we can safely say that the Second Republic is walking the talk of achieving an upper middle class society by 2030.”
Marondera residents commended the Second Republic for building modern structures, in the process creating employment.
Mrs Thokozile Matizakurima, of Ruware Park, said: “At first, when I saw Government officials visiting this area, I thought the plan would not materialise but a few months later, we witnessed massive development, and the buildings being constructed are modern.
“In no time, I approached my grandson who stays in Murehwa to come and seek employment, and he came and got a job on the same day.
“A number of youths who reside in Ruware, Cherima, Dombotombo and Yellow-City were employed and we appreciate that they considered local people.”
Mr Tinashe Mukaro, who was employed by Leengate Civil Engineering Contractors, could not hide his joy over how his life has been transformed after he got a job.
“I got employed at the onset of the project. I had just finished writing my Advanced Level examinations. I manage to save money which I use to pay for my tertiary education at Marondera University (of Agricultural Sciences and Technology). I just want to thank the Second Republic for this vision as it will go a long way in reducing unemployment and the housing backlog,” he said.
A vendor who sells her wares near the flats, Mrs Evelyn Mushayazano, said the project has had positive impact on everyone in Marondera.
“We have seen great transformation from all sectors. I used to sell a few things before the coming of this project, but now I have changed my kitchen-ware; everything is now flowing,” she said.
Leengate Civil Engineering Contractors site supervisor, Mr Tendai Mafuta, said: “Construction of Marondera walk-up flats is almost complete and we are now working on minor issues such as floors, ablution facilities, ceilings, tiles and doors.”
Online Reporter