Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND West Province is targeting to deliver 104 000 housing units by 2030 as it intensifies efforts to address the housing backlog, expand access to decent accommodation and establish modern, sustainable human settlements.
The target forms part of the province’s contribution to the national housing delivery programme, which seeks to provide one million housing units across the country by 2030 under the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2).
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo announced the provincial target last Thursday during the belated commemoration of this year’s World Habitat Day at Great Dyke Smart City, where Vice President Mohadi commissioned the 6 000-unit housing project.
Minister Chombo said achieving the provincial target required concerted efforts between Government, local authorities and private-sector players, with property developers playing a critical role in accelerating housing delivery.
“We have set a target of 104 000 housing units by 2030 as a province. This can only be possible with efforts from the private sector like Great Dyke Investment,” she said.
The province has attracted several property developers who are investing in residential projects across its urban centres, complementing Government’s efforts to expand access to affordable and decent accommodation.
At national level, Government is targeting one million housing units between 2026 and 2030, translating to an average of 200 000 units annually.
The ambitious programme is being pursued through public-private partnerships, mobilisation of investment from financial institutions and private developers, provision of land for residential development and the expansion of supporting infrastructure.
Through the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, Government is also prioritising well-planned settlements supported by essential services such as roads, water, sanitation, electricity, schools and health facilities.
The Presidential Title Deeds Programme is another intervention aimed at improving security of tenure and giving homeowners legal ownership of their properties.
Government is also promoting modern construction technologies, urban renewal and the development of smart cities as part of efforts to create sustainable communities in line with Vision 2030.
Great Dyke Smart City chief executive officer Dr Samuel Mudavanhu said housing development should go beyond the construction of residential structures to creating communities that provide opportunities and improve people’s livelihoods.
“As we develop Mashonaland West, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Our progress must reach communities, create opportunities for people from different backgrounds and improve access to housing, essential services and livelihoods.
“This is the spirit of inclusive development and devolution; ensuring that every province and community has an opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, national development,” he said.
Other developers complementing Government’s housing delivery initiatives in Mashonaland West include Mr Jimayi Muduvuri’s Beyond Realities, Prof Kudakwashe Taruberekera’s Craft Properties and Mr Mind Musokeri’s Vine City, with projects in Kadoma, Norton and Chinhoyi.
Mr Musokeri has also extended his contribution beyond residential development by donating stands to hundreds of youths and war veterans, supporting the Government’s efforts to broaden access to home ownership.
UN-Habitat country representative Mr Alexander Chileshe commended Zimbabwe for its initiatives towards improving access to adequate housing and promoting sustainable human settlements.
The World Habitat Day commemorations were held under the theme, “Adequate Housing for All”, which underscores the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable and decent shelter.
