Datco housing project gathers steam

challenges.
Datco chairman Mr Brighton Manengureni said the entire requisite infrastructure should be in place in three years.
“An implementation programme has been put in place and we estimate that the project will be completed in 36 months as far as the infrastructure is concerned. We are looking to set up all the water works, road system and other amenities at a projected cost of US$12 million,” he said.
“We will also be negotiating with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority for theinstallation of electricity infrastructure around the area,” added Mr Manengureni.
He, however, pointed out that the commencement of the project now awaits approval by the Harare City Council.
Pungwe Chimurenga Housing Scheme chairperson Ms Concilla Dzitiro said they were looking forward to the partnership with Datco.
“The partnership has the potential to be a very                fruitful one as there is a high level of transparency about their business. Unlike our previous contractors, we will only be paying Datco work carried out,” she said.
According to Pungwe Chimurenga Housing Project management executive committee member Mr Martin Shumba, there will be no new allocation of stands since all the stands had already allocated through the co-operative scheme.
Additionally, in terms of the engagement with Datco, TN Bank has set up a facility for members of the scheme to save money towards the construction of their houses, said Mr Manengureni.
The partnership with TN also extends to the property developer’s other housing projects across the country.
“We are mobilising our customers to open accounts with TN Bank so as to expedite property developments,” he said.
Mr Manengureni thanked the Government for its initiative in setting up co-operatives for low-income earners.
“The initiative by Government to create housing co-operatives was in view of the limited capacity of low-income earners to acquire or develop their own properties.
“As Datco we have committed ourselves to work together with other co-operatives to ensure that their projects are completed and they also benefit from our credit lines, which we have created through our strategic alliances,” he said.
Meanwhile, Datco has also indicated that it will soon launch a housing scheme in Kadoma for teachers and civil servants.
Official statistics show that there are over 1,2 million households without houses and around 500 000 living in unserviceable shanty structures, and low-cost housing schemes can play a critical role in reducing this housing deficit.