Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
THE Government has started servicing the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle stands in Gwanda.
The exercise covers the construction of tarred roads, installation of water reticulation systems, development of sewer infrastructure and provision of storm-water drainage.
This follows the official launch to mark the start of the massive works that are expected to transform the living conditions of the residents who have lived for many years without basic services.
The project is set to benefit 655 households and includes the construction of schools, clinics, recreational facilities and commercial activities.
Speaking during a ground-breaking ceremony for the servicing of the area on Thursday, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which is coming to an end this month, identifies housing delivery as one of its 14 national priorities hence the need for communities to have access to standard housing.
He said access to decent housing is not merely a matter of shelter, but a fundamental pillar of human dignity, economic empowerment and social development.
“This ceremony represents more than the turning of soil, it symbolises the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and the Second Republic to improving the livelihoods of all Zimbabweans,” said the minister.
“It’s a testament to our collective resolve to ensure that development reaches every corner of our beloved nation, in line with the philosophy ‘leaving no place and no one behind.’”
Minister Nguluvhe said the Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.
He said the servicing of Hlalani Kuhle area addresses the long-standing infrastructure challenges that have affected residents of the area who have yearned for proper roads, water reticulation and sewer systems.
“This ground-breaking ceremony is a practical demonstration of the devolution agenda that lies at the heart of the Second Republic’s governance philosophy. Devolution is about ensuring that development decisions are made closer to the people and that resources are deployed where they are needed most,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Through devolution, provinces and local authorities have been empowered to drive their own development agendas. The servicing of Hlalani Kuhle suburb is a direct outcome of this collaborative approach between Central Government, through the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, the provincial administration and Gwanda Municipality,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the project also demonstrates Government’s commitment to regularising and upgrading existing settlements rather than displacing communities.
He said development must be people-centred, respecting the investments that families have already made in building their homes and establishing their livelihoods.
Speaking during the same event Gwanda Mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said servicing of the area contributes to Gwanda’s aspiration to attain city status.
He said Gwanda must set the standard for urban development in Matabeleland South as the provincial capital.
Ald Moyo said the target is to transform Hlalani Kuhle area into a modern and well-serviced suburb.
“Our vision is for Hlalani Kuhle to be a complete, self-sustaining community. These development initiatives are in line with Vision 2030 and a response to the ‘Call to Action- No Compromise to Service Delivery’. Servicing the area will also help with billing and revenue collection, as well as offering services such as refuse collection,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor ZimBuild chief executive officer, Dr Tinashe Manzungu said the scope of works that will be conducted include 8,6 water reticulation pipeline, 7,2km sewer reticulation and 7,2 km road construction.
He said 655 households will benefit and that the project will be implemented within nine months.
In a speech read on his behalf by a deputy director in his office, Mr Archford Muradzikwa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities Engineer Theodius Chinyanga said according to the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy Hlalani Kuhle projects fall under category of dysfunctional settlements that need to be developed.
He said under National Development Strategy 2, the country is expected to deliver one million housing units. The housing units are defined as fully serviced stands and houses constructed.
Eng Chinyanga said in 2021 Cabinet established what is known as the “Enhanced Cabinet Committee” on disaster management and emergency preparedness.
“The mandate of the committee is to ensure that all informal and dysfunctional settlements are regularised and sanitised respectively, in line with the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy. As such, Gwanda Hlalani Kuhle and Lupane Hlalani Kuhle were identified as priority projects to pilot the programme,” he said. “Lupane was the first to be implemented and progress was recorded up to 65 percent. The arrangement is such that, the project remains in the custody of the local authority. Government mobilises resources through Treasury to fund the works.
“The local authority procures the services of the contractor and supervises the works to comply with the bylaws,” he said.
—@DubeMatutu
