admin
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
THE Minister of Small to Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development, Sithembiso Nyoni has commended SMEs in the construction industry for supporting government initiatives to provide decent accommodation at affordable prices.
Speaking after officially opening a model house for low to medium income earners, which was showcased by a local construction company Zimbuild in Montrose, Gweru, the minister said young entrepreneurs should be supported in their endeavours to provide decent accommodation to the people in line with Zim-Asset.
The model house is three bedroomed and built on a 200 square metre stand.
It has PVC ceiling, shangalie lighting, obscure windows, floor tiling and costs about $20 000 of which terms of payment are agreed upon between Zimbuild and the clients.
“This is a beautiful house and a clear indication that owning a house can be an easy thing if such young entrepreneurs are supported.
“SMEs must be supported as housing cooperatives have built thousands of houses across the country in support of the Zim-Asset cluster on infrastructure development,” she said.
Mr Tinashe Manzungu, Zimbuild founder said they saw it fit not to just provide residential stands but to also construct houses.
“There are some stand owners who would just buy for speculative purposes, some will fail to get finances for building their houses, some would struggle before completing the house and later leaving the surviving family vulnerable.
“Some people may have the finances to build but might be lacking the expertise on how to build a decent house and therefore we are coming in to construct the houses at affordable prices,” he said.
“The company’s dynamism and flexibility in terms of products, services and pricing models has resulted in the speedy growth of the entity.
“We have embarked on a massive housing construction project in Gweru that will see civil servants and other selected companies benefiting.”
Mr Manzungu said he was humbled by Minister Nyoni’s visit, which he said should inspire other SMEs.
“This is quite a great privilege and as a company we shall continue to forge ahead and take a step in housing shortage amelioration through working towards the government’s objective of achieving 313 000 housing units by 2018,” said Mr Manzungu.
Minister Nyoni during her tour also visited companies such as Midlands Metals, Tanaka Flea market, Nyangara Fabrication and Mkoba 6 industries among others.
@pchitumba1.
Online Reporter