Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
THE country’s target of building one million flats and houses by 2025 has received a huge boost from private players in Gweru following the establishment of a gated community in the splashy suburb of Daylesford.
The new gated community in the Daylesford suburb feeds well into the country’s blueprint, the National Development Strategy Development 1 (NDS1), which emphasises the need to reduce the housing backlog by 2025.
The trajectory towards the attainment of Vision 2030 revolves around providing human decent settlements, which meet the aspirations of the Zimbabwean people while addressing affordability and modernisation.
This will in turn massively contribute to overall economic growth in line with NDS1 — a five-year economic blueprint that runs from 2021-2025 — launched by President Mnangagwa in November 2020.
Gweru-based private land developer, MashMo Land Investment Trust, has taken up the Government’s call for partnerships in housing delivery.
The Trust launched MashMo Heights Cluster Homes Daylesford, which has 67 housing units that are at different stages of completion.
So far, 25 housing units are complete and some owners have already moved in. The developer ensured that requisite infrastructure such as sewer and water reticulation as well as roads was completed before beneficiaries moved in.
At a time when the world and Zimbabwe are battling the climate change menace, MashMo has introduced modern designs with state-of-the-art sewer and water reticulation systems, which allow for the recycling and reuse of grey water.
The project has created employment for over 45 locals involved in the construction, roofing, tiling and plumbing.
One of the community members Mr Brian Dube said he is excited to be part of the gated community.
“We are very delighted to be part of the beneficiaries of this noble scheme. The place is quite secure and the future of the country’s housing plan is in gated communities. We can feel that Borrowdale has indeed been brought to Gweru,” he said.
Mr Charles Chikosi, another beneficiary said: “I am excited that something special has indeed happened in my locality. Already, there is economic activity that has been spurred by the establishment of this gated community. It is always encouraging to have such development in our area as it also improves value of our properties”.
An employee, Mr Simbarashe Muzhuzha, said he was happy that he got a contract to work on the project.
“Such projects always bring opportunities for us as the local people because I am able to fend for my family while at the same time sharpening my building skills. I am happy that most of my crew are locals who are enjoying the country’s development trajectory,” he said.
Mr Robson Vunganai, chief executive officer for MashMo said the mega project will see the establishment of a shopping mall and schools in addition to other amenities for the benefit of the community.
“It’s quite exciting to be part of such a huge project. The Second Republic has indeed opened opportunities for us to contribute to the development of our country and we are saying we are here to serve,” he said.
Mr Vunganai said a big shopping mall and a private pre-school will be constructed soon to benefit the community.
He said residents of gated communities are guaranteed security especially at night because of locked gates, guards and cameras.
“Gated communities also have most of the facilities providing services such as shopping centres at their doorsteps,” said Mr Vunganai.
The Second Republic has mandated the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities to spearhead the construction of affordable housing units to reduce the country’s housing backlog.
Online Reporter