Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MORE than 34 000 people are on the housing waiting list across Matabeleland South’s 10 local authorities, highlighting the scale of demand for affordable housing and the need for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate delivery.
Government says it is intensifying efforts to expand serviced land, modernise settlements and promote climate-resilient housing as part of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Speaking during the provincial World Habitat Day commemorations yesterday, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe called for collective
efforts to reduce the housing deficit, improve social infrastructure and ensure that urban and rural expansion is guided by equity and environmental sustainability.
He said adequate housing was essential for human dignity, family stability and sustainable economic development. “This day reminds us that we all share the collective responsibility to shape the future of our towns, cities and growth points. This year, our provincial celebrations resonate with the global theme: ‘Adequate Housing for All’. Housing is far more than physical structures — it is the bedrock of human dignity, social security, family stability and sustainable economic development,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said safe and dignified shelter strengthened households and communities, adding that the theme aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which calls for inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements.
World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October following its designation by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”.
Minister Nguluvhe urged land developers to comply with the Zimbabwe Human Settlement Policy, which provides for 40 percent of land earmarked for human settlements to be allocated to vertical and high-density housing, particularly multi-storey walk-up flats.
He said the completion of Phase One of the Beitbridge Redevelopment Project demonstrated the potential of this approach, with modern multi-storey flats built to accommodate civil servants and other personnel working in the border town.
The project is expected to provide a model for expanding vertical housing development across the province.
“Here in Matabeleland South, we are translating strategic NDS2 targets into tangible achievements.
Through coordinated land-use planning, the deployment of information communication technology in project mapping and aggressive resource mobilisation, the province is actively closing the housing gap and modernising growth points across all seven administrative districts,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said Government valued partnerships with land developers and local authorities in addressing housing demand and improving infrastructure.
Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities’ Matabeleland South deputy director for estates management and provincial coordination, Ms Nkosilomusa Ngulube, said housing delivery in Beitbridge, Gwanda, Insiza and Plumtree was being driven by partnerships between local authorities and private-sector stakeholders.
She said Phase One of the Beitbridge Redevelopment Project had delivered multi-storey walk-up flats accommodating 12 families.
However, Ms Ngulube said the provincial housing waiting list stood at 34 576 applicants across the 10 local authorities, underlining the need to accelerate housing delivery.
“Government action alone is not enough. We require robust public-private partnerships,” she said.
Ms Ngulube commended local authorities, financial institutions and private-sector partners for supporting land servicing, road construction and the extension of essential utilities.
She said the ministry remained committed to working with local authorities, traditional leaders, financial institutions, private developers and individuals building their own homes to expand access to adequate housing.
