Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is targeting the delivery of one million housing units by 2030, with the private sector expected to play a key role in mobilising investment, creating jobs and expanding access to affordable housing, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima has said.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Home Makers Expo Zimbabwe 2026 in Harare on Friday, Minister Mavima said achieving the target under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) required innovative financing models, efficient land servicing, modern construction technologies and stronger public-private partnerships.
“The one-million-housing-unit target that we are pushing as Government under the National Development Strategy 2 is therefore not simply a construction target; it is an opportunity to create jobs, expand enterprises, develop skills, attract investment and enable citizens to participate in building national prosperity,” he said.
Minister Mavima said Government was pursuing reforms to strengthen the regulatory environment governing the construction sector, including reviewing and harmonising building codes and standards to promote safety, quality, accessibility and modern construction practices.
“A coherent national approach to building standards will help reduce regulatory inconsistencies, improve compliance, strengthen consumer protection and create greater certainty for developers and investors,” he said.
He said housing delivery should go beyond constructing individual homes to developing integrated human settlements supported by roads, water and sanitation, electricity, schools, health facilities and other social amenities.
“A house without adequate infrastructure and access to essential services cannot, on its own, deliver the full promise of human settlement development,” he said.
Minister Mavima said the housing programme presented opportunities for local businesses across the construction value chain, including cement, steel, roofing, furniture, solar energy, plumbing and security systems.
He urged businesses and professionals to uphold ethical standards and deliver quality homes at affordable prices.
“Citizens must receive value for their money, investors must operate within clear and predictable rules, and professionals must uphold the highest standards of competence and ethical conduct,” he said.
