adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
THE government has a mammoth task of providing accommodation to reduce the ballooning housing backlog estimated at around 1,2 million houses, Senior Minister of State Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has said. Handing over two houses to two child headed families at Emthunzini suburb in Bulawayo yesterday, Cde Khaya Moyo said housing development was one of the government’s top priorities.
“There is a housing backlog of about 1,2 million houses and under Zim-Asset, the government’s target is to build at least 25,000 houses a year. The government can however not achieve this alone hence the need for support from the private sector and other players,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He urged the private sector to join hands with government in housing development and challenged local authorities to also assist by providing land as well as building houses.
“Providing accommodation is one of the core businesses of councils so councils should among other things come up with incentives for those that want to build houses in their respective cities and towns,” said Khaya Moyo.
The Senior Minister said government prioritises the welfare of orphans.
“Let’s do something for orphaned children and the elderly people. They don’t have anyone to look up to. Government last year spent $4 million in assisting the less privileged resulting in 54,000 vulnerable people that include the orphans, being assisted,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He commended Hawkflight Construction, a local firm, for donating the two houses to the two child headed families.
Cde Khaya Moyo took the opportunity to donate 23 blankets to the less privileged in the suburb.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo said the donation of the two houses will significantly change the lives of the two families.
“For the first time they are going to occupy houses they call their own,” she said.
derick.khumalo