adminConstruction of houses for civil servants is expected to start next month with over 75 000 Government employees having already registered for the low-cost units.
The Local Government, Rural Development and National Housing Ministry and the Apex Council — which brings together unions representing civil servants — have selected a contractor to build two model high-rise blocks.
The State Procurement Board will this week say whether or not the contractor is the best candidate to build the model units, and construction costs will determine the payment structure for those who take up the houses.
Secretary for Local Government Engineer George Mlilo told The Sunday Mail: “We selected a contractor for the Highfield flats in Harare. Unfortunately, we cannot reveal the name of the contractor at this stage because the State Procurement Board is yet to approve.
“Upon approval the selected contractor is set to begin work in three weeks and we expect the model houses to be completed in six months. The contractor is set to build two blocks with 16 units each. We are also going to advertise for contractors to build the houses in other areas such as Bulawayo because the one we had advertised for was specifically for Harare where costing structures are different to other areas.”
Apex Council vice-chair Mr David Dzatsunga said: “We have come a long way as civil servants in our quest for a housing scheme tailor- made for us. Thus we are very happy with the progress made so far.”
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter