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Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
THOUSANDS of youths from Chegutu town are expected to benefit from a low-cost housing scheme being spearheaded by Patriotic Youths Consolidated for Economic Development.
The scheme has received blessings from Chegutu councillors drawn from all political parties, with the municipality having already signed on and released 30 hectares for the first phase aimed at correcting housing shortages in the mining and farming town.
At least 1 300 people, mainly youths and those with disabilities, have registered with the youth movement, and are expected to benefit under the first phase of the formalised drive that speaks to the National Development Strategy 1.
In an interview after the groundbreaking ceremony which was held at Kaguvi Phase 4 in the town recently, beneficiaries lauded the Second Republic for supporting the scheme.
Ms Nokhutula Murombedzi said the scheme was a life changer for most youths in the town.
“We are grateful to the Patriotic Youths Consolidated for Economic Development for spearheading this. It will go a long way in addressing challenges of accommodation and housing shortages,” she said.
Due to the ballooning population, married youths are now sharing houses with their parents while in some instances, a room is divided by pieces of cloth to accommodate two families.
Another female resident who has been renting for over 20 years, Ms Maidei Tapfuma, said the US$40 monthly instalments they will be paying was affordable.
Patriotic Youths Consolidated for Economic Development chairman, Mr Obert Chinogwenya, said more stands will be released in phases to the youths.
“We are in constant talks with the municipality to release more land for low-cost residential stands,” he said.
“This is the first phase which we anticipate will benefit 500 youths.
“We, however, anticipate having at least 7 000 members on our database and we hope that the friendly relationship that exists between us and Chegutu Municipality remains so that more land is released to benefit the youths.”
Proper and modern housing units will be constructed.
Chegutu Mayor, Councillor Henry Muchatibaya said a motion was also moved in council to consider the organisation in the Risboro residential area.
Risboro Farm has been designated by the government for Chegutu Smart City drive.
Addressing hundreds of youths and women who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, Zanu PF Mashonaland West youth chairman Cde Tapiwa Masenda said people should vote for President Mnangagwa and the ruling party for development.
“President Mnangagwa has spearheaded development in the country since he came into office in 2017. He is pushing for development under the NDS1 mantra,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is one of the few nations in the world where youths have access to various properties and to show appreciation to the revolutionary party Zanu PF and its leader, we ought to vote resoundingly on August, 23.”
The housing scheme is expected to benefit youths regardless of their political affiliation and financial status in line with the mantra “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Online Reporter