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Farirai Machivenyika in Nyanga
Informal settlements must have basic services like water and roads before they can be regularised, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda said yesterday.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Musa Ncube at the ninth Infrastructure and Construction Summit organised by Global Renaissance in Nyanga, he said: “As the Ministry and Government at large, we acknowledge the urgent need to address the challenges facing our urban centres in respect to their current state, beginning with the compelling need for regularisation and sanitisation as critical steps towards creating livable cities.
“In that regard, the Ministry is rolling out several initiatives aimed at regularisation and sanitisation of dysfunctional settlements in Zimbabwe. These initiatives, if correctly implemented, with the proper financing structure, will enable us to achieve smart modern infrastructure,” he said.
One such initiative is the Presidential Title Deeds and Settlement Regularisation Programme launched by President Mnangagwa in April last year.
“The programme aims to empower residents by conferring property rights and dignity, with plans to issue an estimated 1,5 million title deeds countrywide, inclusive of informal and dysfunctional settlements.
“In that regard, the Government has embarked on a regularisation drive, which includes a staged process of upgrading informal settlements to improve quality of life through the provision of requisite on-site and off-site infrastructure and tenure, with the objective of empowering residents, enhancing their living conditions and reducing congestion in affected areas,” Minister Soda said.
Proper regularisation ultimately enabled achievement of modern smart infrastructure which would increase property values as regulated and organised neighbourhoods are often more desirable places to live and work.
“Sanitisation is closely linked to economic development as poor sanitisation practices can lead to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity due to illness, and a burden on the public health system.
“When these initiatives are fulfilled, they serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment and steadfast resolve to enhance the living conditions in dysfunctional settlements in Zimbabwe.
“Through prioritising regularisation, sanitisation, and infrastructure development, a solid foundation is set for building smart cities and enhancing sustainable growth,” Minister Soda said.
Online Reporter