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Most urban local authorities are battling to clear housing backlogs and the situation has been worsened by the shrinking revenue base for most councils. Industries which used to be the major source of revenue for most councils have either closed down or scaled down operations.
Residents, who used to be another major source of revenue, are failing to pay council bills as most of them are out of employment. Councils are as a result failing to meet their obligations such as providing houses to residents hence the ballooning housing backlogs. Local authorities across the country had, by the end of last year, more than two million people on their housing waiting lists.
Shelter is one of the basic human rights so councils and central Government have an obligation to see to it that people are provided with accommodation. It is in fact every family’s dream not only to have a roof above their heads but to own a house. Central Government, councils and the private sector have over the years implemented different housing schemes in a bid to provide accommodation to urban dwellers.
The economic challenges which worsened before the introduction of the multi-currency in 2009 unfortunately saw many councils suspending housing construction hence the growing number of those seeking accommodation. A few councils have since resumed construction of houses but on a small scale.
Central Government and the private sector including co-operatives have also resumed housing construction but due to limited resources, the churning out of houses is not coping with the ever increasing demand. Many councils in a bid to encourage individuals to boost housing provision are allocating both serviced and unserviced stands to either individuals, companies, private developers and housing co-operatives.
Government in a bid to address the challenges of not just shortage of houses but also congestion in major cities such as Bulawayo and Harare recently launched the revised National Housing Policy that will see it developing self-contained human settlement with housing, commercial and industrial facilities at the periphery of the major urban centres. This is meant to decongest the major cities. The new settlement will be in the mould of Harare’s satellite modern town in Mt Hampden whose plans are already underway.
Speaking at the launch of the revised housing policy, President Mugabe said the revised policy was an important milestone in the history of housing development. He said the policy document was a reference point which guides and harmonises the housing delivery sector.
Cde Mugabe implored local authorities to desist from emphasising on housing standards that were beyond the reach of the majority of people. “Our housing designs should lean more towards fulfilling needs rather than cost,” he said. President Mugabe said challenges of rapid urbanisation in developing countries required stakeholders to be receptive to new building technologies.
Councils should take heed of the President’s call to allow residents to build affordable houses. What is important is for the family to have a roof above their heads. Many home seekers are failing to construct houses of their own because of the high standards set by councils.
We should, however, point out that we are not advocating for substandard houses but houses that meet the minimum requirements of an urban settlement which are affordable to the majority of people. Councils should also allow individuals long periods to construct houses given our poor performing economy. The repossession of housing stands should just be the last resort.
Online Reporter