Online Reporter
Precious Manomano and Victor Maphosa
ANOTHER 56 families displaced by the construction of the Kunzvi Dam in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province, have received their new three-bdroomed homes handed over by Government.
The initiative highlights the Government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of those affected by infrastructure development.
During the handover ceremony in Cheuka Ward, under Chief Mangwende in Murehwa District, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said providing better housing for the affected communities was critical.
“The Kunzvi Dam project is nearing completion and has begun to impound water, putting those nearby at risk of flooding .We have made contingency plans to ensure that the affected people receive proper housing. Our guiding principle is to build back better, meaning that those displaced will have improved living conditions.”
About 435 households have been impacted by the dam’s construction. “The commissioning of these 56 homes is a testament to our concept of building back better. As we continue developing our dams, we focus on creating economic opportunities, integrating fish farming, hydro power, and irrigation systems for local communities.”
The Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa, praised Government’s efforts saying all the affected people will benefit from the housing scheme.
He pointed to a forthcoming irrigation scheme designed to benefit the affected families. “The families displaced by the dam’s construction will be reorganised to participate in an irrigation scheme, which stands to empower the community,” he said.
A local company, Makomo Engineering, is the contractor of the project and behind the construction of the houses.
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the Government’s initiative.
Mr Mark Kaliza said they have benefited a lot from the project, adding that their standards of living have been uplifted. “We are thankful for the beautiful homes. We could never have built such houses ourselves.”
