Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Government has called on local authorities to promote the construction of high-rise and modern buildings that meet the demands of the 21st century, in line with the National Housing Delivery Programme (NHDP).
An accelerated housing delivery initiative has been launched, centred on the use of alternative building technologies to support the development of high-rise structures. This trajectory towards achieving Vision 2030 focuses on providing human settlements that reflect the aspirations of Zimbabweans, while addressing issues of affordability and modernisation.
Under the housing delivery pillar of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Government aims to deliver 220 000 housing units by the end of this year, through collaborative efforts from stakeholders and all parties involved in human settlements. The long-term target is to exceed 470 000 housing units.
The programme seeks to create inclusive settlements that cater to the diverse needs of Zimbabweans, while making use of locally available resources.
To ensure widespread access to housing, the Government has adopted several strategies aimed at benefitting the majority of citizens.
Speaking during a recent interactive meeting with councillors and traditional leaders from the Midlands Province in Gweru, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe emphasised the importance of transforming both rural and urban spaces into attractive, safe, and vibrant environments to attract investment and tourism.
Minister Garwe stated that the Government is committed to aligning development structures with the Second Republic’s blueprint, under President Mnangagwa’s uncompromising stance on service delivery and modernisation of local authority operations in pursuit of Vision 2030.
“As the Second Republic endeavours to modernise our cities, we must encourage the development of high-rise and modern buildings that address the needs of the 21st century. Our cities should reflect progress and innovation. This cannot happen without your support in creating an enabling environment for such developments,” he said.
Minister Garwe commended councils that have completed valuation rolls and those progressing with master plans. He singled out Kwekwe City Council for its efforts in beautifying the urban landscape.
“Aesthetically pleasing environments not only enhance residents’ quality of life but also attract investment and tourism,” he said.
The Minister also urged councils to establish proper working spaces for vendors, noting that many currently operate from undesignated areas such as servitudes and shop verandas.
“This not only disservices our communities but also undermines order and dignity in our urban spaces. Councils must take charge of their localities by enforcing proper allocation and regulation of trading zones and trading hours,” he said.
He encouraged councils to be proactive in providing effective waste management services, citing the Geo Pomona initiative in Harare as a model.
Minister Garwe reaffirmed the Government’s support for revenue collection by local authorities, stating that it underpins their ability to deliver essential services to residents.
He urged local authorities to fully utilise all revenue-generating powers outlined in the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act.
“The Government fully supports revenue collection by local authorities, as it is the basis upon which they provide services to residents. Local authorities are urged to explore all revenue powers as outlined in the Urban Councils Act and Rural District Councils Act,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vungu Rural District Council in Gweru has called on all property owners residing in peri-urban residential areas — including but not limited to Woodlands 1 and 2, Tatenda Park, Ridgemont Heights, Northgate Heights, Raylands, Mtausi Park, Adelaide Park, Little Eden, Hunde Village, Highlands of Sekope, Hertfordshire 1 and 2, Fortune Meadowlands, Cheshire, Claremont Park, Charlton Park, Adelaide Park (Senga Medium), Surfock, Brooklands, Muzenya, and Greynut Park — to submit development documents as part of efforts to regularise illegal settlements.
“Property owners in these areas are invited to submit approved building plans and inspection cards (proof of inspections by the council’s building inspector) on or before 15 November 2025. This is an opportunity for all those illegally residing in their places of residence to regularise such arrangements. Failure to comply will leave council with no option but to impose penalties on all offenders,” said chief executive officer Mr Alex Magura.
Londile Moyo