Housing directive gets thumbs up

Zvifadzo Lubombo Herald Reporter
The recent Government directive ordering local authorities in the country to surrender houses and stands they repossessed from debt-ridden prospective home seekers as well as extending payment periods for housing stands by up to 20 years has been greeted with cheers by residents in various parts of the country.

Scores of Harare residents said in separate interviews yesterday that the latest decision which was set to bring yet more relief to the poor, demonstrated the Government’s commitment to national development and to safeguarding the rights of the poor to access decent and affordable housing.

“This decision only goes to show that the Government and President Mugabe’s leadership is people-centred and cares very much about the welfare of the poor,” said Martin Dondo of Mabvuku.

Kaurano Ndou of Chitungwiza said the directive would at least give the poor more time to pay for their housing stands.
“I’m very happy about this new directive. Vendors and the majority of lowly paid people can at least afford to buy stands with small payments spread over a long period,” he said. “The poor are humans too, they also need decent and affordable housing.”

Dorothy Makoni from Masvingo echoed similar sentiments, saying the decision would help improve the living standards of the poor.
“Everyone now has the capacity to become a land lord. Thanks to President Mugabe and the Government for hearing the concerns of the poor,” she said.

Ester Muzavazi of Belvedere said the directive had brought relief to her since she was battling to clear her housing stand arrears.
“I bought the stand from the council and I was afraid that my property will be taken by the council before I cleared my arrears,” she said. “I couldn’t sleep peacefully. Debts were a thorn in my flesh and I feared losing my stand.”

Outgoing Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo issued the directive last Thursday, saying all those who defaulted on payments were supposed to be granted a grace period of up to 20 years to clear their arrears.

Poor home seekers, the elderly and the weak had lost their properties that were wrestled by opposition party supporters and councillors under dubious circumstances.

The directive to restore the properties to their owners follows another one made in July this year, ordering all local authorities to cancel debts owed by residents running into millions of dollars on rates and bills from February 2009 to June 30 this year.

Most local authorities in the country have heeded the directive.