Government launches comprehensive housing programme for rural civil servant

GOVERNMENT has launched a comprehensive housing programme aimed at providing decent accommodation for civil servants stationed in rural areas, with projects already underway in Mutawatawa, Lupane, Marondera, Matabeleland North, and other parts of the country.

Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Soda Zhemu, recently told Parliament that the Government intends to provide civil servants with housing schemes as a form of non-monetary benefit, alleviating them from paying rent.

This initiative is designed to improve the living conditions and quality of life for public servants in remote regions, acknowledging their vital contributions to the development of the nation.

The housing programme is also expected to have a positive impact on the retention of skilled personnel in rural areas, where staff shortages have long been a challenge.

By offering comfortable and secure housing, the Government hopes to encourage civil servants to remain in their posts, reducing turnover rates and ensuring continuity in essential services.

In addition to improving living conditions, the housing project is also expected to stimulate local economies in rural areas.

As construction activities gather pace, local businesses and suppliers are set to benefit from the increased demand for materials and services, creating a positive ripple effect on the overall economy.

Through this initiative, the Government demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of civil servants and the development of rural areas, aligning with its broader vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

As the project progresses, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of civil servants, their families, and the communities they serve.

“At the moment, we have a scheme in Mutawatawa, eight blocks of flats are being constructed. The first phase has started with four blocks, it will produce 64 flats, but the whole scheme should give civil servants in Mutawatawa accommodation for 128 families. It is not only Mutawatawa where we are carrying out these construction points, the scheme started in Mutawatawa although we have a lot of other places where we are building, such as Lupane and Marondera. The 20 houses in Lupane were completed three weeks ago,” said Minister Zhemu.

He noted that the Government’s housing initiative for civil servants in rural areas offers various schemes, including rent-to-buy options, which allow occupants to eventually own the houses they are renting.

“The scheme that I spoke about is for civil servants’ official residences, these are not rent-to-buy schemes but are meant for civil servants who would have officially transferred to Mutawatawa. Sixty-four are being constructed and in the second phase, we should be having 128. The same applies to other districts and provinces, we are not going to be concentrating on one area. We are going to consider other areas where there is need so that we do not leave anyone and no place behind.”

Minister Zhemu further outlined that they start by embarking on a project after conducting research about the area and completing a feasibility study.

“We are not ending in Mutawatawa, Lupane and Matabeleland North only, I gave an example of Marondera as well. We should be building houses all over the country. At the moment, we have focused on the completion of projects that have already been started so that people can occupy the completed houses. We do not want to be starting projects that are never finished and have foundation levels at all housing schemes. We have a presence in all provinces but we are at the foundation level which will also delay the process for beneficiaries to enjoy their benefits.

“We have some schemes by which people that are in the diaspora are able to own land and build houses in Zimbabwe. We also have banks and other organisations that are also participating with the view that as we get to the year 2030, we cannot just become an upper middle-income society when people do not have homes or houses to stay in, “said Minister Zhemu.

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