Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in KADOMA
TEARS of joy flowed for two people living with disabilities in Kadoma after they received ultra-modern houses built by Craft Properties, in a showcase of the power of public-private partnerships in providing decent housing to citizens.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo commissioned the houses in Holy Land Housing Development.
The beneficiaries could not hide their excitement, saying the private developer had spared them the discrimination and hardships that come with searching for accommodation as people with disabilities.
Ms Vennah Chivanga, who lives with albinism, spoke of the dehumanising treatment she endured while looking for a place to stay.
“I am thankful to Craft Properties for giving me dignity through this house. I am now 52 years old and I had no hope of getting a house of my own,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Neria Dzivakwi, said Craft Properties had heeded President Mnangagwa’s call to ensure that everyone enjoyed a better life.
The houses are part of the 15 stands the developer donated to people with disabilities in Kadoma last year.
They are tiled, have ceilings, modern bathroom amenities and solar energy. They have also been fused with other stands to avoid creating a section known as the place for people with disabilities.
The beneficiaries have also been given funeral policies by Nharadzo Funeral Group.
Minister Chombo hailed Craft Properties for taking up the challenge of private sector-led development.
“These houses add to Government’s target of providing 1 million houses by 2030 under the National Development Strategy (NDS2) benchmarks,” she said.
“Craft Properties is bringing to life President Mnangagwa’s call for inclusive development that carries everyone along, including people living with disabilities.”
She said the developer had given the beneficiaries not just houses, but dignity and hope.
Craft Properties chief executive officer Professor Kudakwashe Taruberekera said the inclusive model sought to avoid stigma and discrimination.
“We are fulfilling our pledge to provide at least 15 residential stands to people with disabilities, but we have gone further to build the two houses presented today to beneficiaries,” he said.
“The realisation that life was difficult for me at some point being able-bodied got me thinking of the impact on those with disabilities and we decided to take small steps to improve their livelihoods.”
Prof Taruberekera implored other corporates to extend a helping hand and construct houses on the remaining stands.
Minister Chombo pledged 10 000 bricks and 100 bags of cement towards the construction of the other houses.
Bishop Gideon Mutendi, standing in for Zion Christian Church leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, pledged another 10 000 bricks and 100 bags of cement, enough to build another house.
Provincial housing director Mr Innocent Salani said Government needed the support of the private sector to meet its target of 1 million housing units by 2030.
