Government hails Kwekwe’s Mbizo 18 housing project

Minister Ncube touring Kwekwe shops

THE Government has commended Kwekwe City Council for rolling out a major housing development in Mbizo 18 suburb, describing it as a practical demonstration of inclusive urban development under the Second Republic.

The housing project is expected to benefit 154 people, with priority given to veterans of the liberation struggle, persons with disabilities, civil servants, traditional and church leaders, youths, women and low-income earners.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, lauded the local authority during a recent tour of the project, saying it aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.

“This project showcases the tenets of NDS2, particularly the infrastructure development and housing pillar, which focuses on building a strong, modern and resilient infrastructure backbone that supports productivity and sustainable socio-economic development,” said Minister Ncube.

He said the Mbizo 18 housing scheme reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to providing inclusive, decent and modern shelter in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.

Minister Ncube emphasised that access to shelter is a constitutional right.
“In terms of Section 28 of the Constitution, shelter is a fundamental right for every citizen,” he said.
He noted that since the advent of the Second Republic in November 2017, the Government has prioritised infrastructure development as a key driver of economic transformation, despite global economic shocks, natural disasters and limited access to external funding.

The minister commended Kwekwe City Council for complementing the Second Republic’s private sector-led development approach through tangible infrastructure initiatives, including housing, roads, dams, schools, clinics, airports and power generation projects.

“The New Dispensation has recorded visible signature projects in the housing sector, including the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post through a public-private partnership and the smart city concept at Mount Hampden, where the New Parliament Building and state-of-the-art villas for international delegates were constructed,” he said.

Minister Ncube said Government has adopted a home-grown, heritage-based industrialisation and modernisation strategy that harnesses local human and material resources to improve livelihoods.
“I applaud Kwekwe City Council for supporting the Second Republic’s development trajectory through land development that resonates with our collective desire to provide affordable and decent serviced residential and commercial facilities,” he said.

The minister warned that the era of land barons duping unsuspecting home seekers is over, stressing that all developments must comply with planning regulations.

“It is illegal to parcel land before installing basic infrastructure such as water, sewer and roads. Those who flout these regulations will face the full wrath of the law,” said Minister Ncube.

He urged local authorities to ensure that master plans guide all developments and called on town clerks and chief executive officers to prioritise service delivery.

“Refuse collection, water and sewer infrastructure must be upgraded to meet increased demand from expanding residential areas,” he said.

The minister also encouraged local authorities to adopt flexible payment plans for residents struggling to pay rates, instead of resorting to property auctions.

Meanwhile, Minister Ncube commended the private sector in Kwekwe for its role in transforming the city’s skyline, following a tour of newly constructed and ongoing commercial developments in the central business district.

He said modern infrastructure such as Juden and GTS Garage, Chahwanda Complex and Edith Medical Centre, most of which are owned by indigenous investors, is modernising the city while providing affordable services and boosting revenue for both the fiscus and the local authority.

“These developments underscore the Second Republic’s commitment to the NDS2 infrastructure and housing pillar as we move towards attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
Minister Ncube also commended Kwekwe City Council for receiving the 2024 Best Run Local Authority accolade, urging the council to maintain consistency in service delivery.

He said projects such as the New Market Centre and the three-storey, eco-friendly Chahwanda Complex reflect Government’s modernisation drive, providing safe, hygienic workspaces for vendors and small-to-medium enterprises that play a key role in economic growth.