Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT says housing cooperatives must improve management practices, work together on developing essential infrastructure and focus on delivering quality services to provide affordable housing for citizens.
Speaking at the Harare South Housing union retreat on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Kiven Mutimbanyoka, said housing cooperatives play a critical role in addressing Zimbabwe’s housing deficit and advancing national development goals.
“Your dedication to providing affordable housing units and stands is not only commendable, but it is also transformative,” he said
Deputy Minister Mutimbanyoka said access to housing is a basic human right and aligns with international frameworks, which seek to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
“Housing is not a luxury; it is a basic human right. The United Nations, through the World Habitat principles, reminds us that adequate shelter is essential for human dignity, health and well-being,” he said
He commended housing cooperatives for adopting a collective model based on solidarity and shared responsibility, noting that the approach enables ordinary citizens to access housing outside profit-driven markets.
The deputy minister highlighted the importance of cooperation between Government institutions, saying the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities and local authorities such as Harare City Council are working together to facilitate land allocation, planning approvals and infrastructure development for cooperatives.
He added that sustainability in the cooperative sector depends on strict adherence to good governance principles as provided for under the Cooperative Societies Act.
“All cooperatives are required to conduct AGMs, hold leadership accountable and ensure transparency in financial management,” he said
“Non-compliance undermines member confidence and long-term viability.”
Cde Mutimbanyoka commended cooperatives that consistently hold meetings, conduct annual audits and observe management committee term limits, while urging those falling short to improve compliance.
He further encouraged Hondo Yemagamba, Harare South and Retreat housing unions to collaborate in the development of Retreat Housing and its related infrastructure, stressing that housing projects must be supported by adequate water supply, sanitation, sewer systems, roads and electricity.
“A house without basic services cannot truly be called a home,” he said.
He said housing cooperatives remain central to achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, as they contribute to improved living standards, poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
Peter Tanyanyiwa