Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
THE Government will continue to strengthen partnerships with business and communities to deliver housing and social support to previously marginalised persons, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo has said.
Speaking at the recent joint jubilee celebrations since Kadoma became a city and handover of 15 ready-to-build residential stands, Minister Chombo said the Government needs the support of cooperating partners to improve people’s lives and livelihoods.
“Today, we celebrate 25 years since Kadoma became a city; and over the years, we have seen things changing and improving in terms of service delivery,” she said.
“We are pleased as Government to see the impact of the whole-of-Government, whole-of-society and whole-of-business approach in uplifting and making a change in people’s lives.”
Kadoma Mayor Councillor Nigel Ruzario said the jubilee celebrations marked a significant milestone for the city and highlighted the strength of collaboration with the private sector in the provision of housing.
“We are not just celebrating 25 years as a city but the relations we have built with the private sector over the years for impact in society,” said Cllr Ruzario.
The day also saw 15 people living with disabilities (PWD) in Kadoma getting ready-to-build residential stands from philanthropist Professor Kudakwashe Taruberekera.
Of the 15 stands, 10 went to people with disabilities and five to people living with albinism.
Mrs Loretta Mufandaedza, a beneficiary, hailed Craft Properties chief executive officer Prof Taruberekera for the gesture.
“Having your own place to live is the first step towards being empowered and I am grateful for this gesture. It’s not easy being a tenant and sometimes it gets worse because of the conditions we have as people with disabilities,” she said.
Mrs Talent Chidindi said people with albinism faced stigma and discrimination when searching for accommodation. She commended the Government for creating an environment where the private sector plays a role in transforming people’s lives.
“Today is the happiest day of my life because a huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders,” she said.
Prof Taruberekera said the gesture was inspired by President Mnangagwa’s social transformation drive and the desire to contribute towards the realisation of Vision 2030.
“We feel compelled to help in the attainment of President Mnangagwa and his Government’s development goals of uplifting the lives of people,” he said.
“With this gesture, we have helped to restore the dignity of people with disabilities and give them a foundation from which they can build their lives for the better.”
Craft Properties has been involved in building of classroom blocks, drilling of boreholes and provision of Starlink kits to schools in remote areas.
The company is expected to start constructing a classroom block at Kaiva Primary School in Kariba district.
