Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Harare City Council has welcomed progress made in the renovation and facelift of Matapi Flats in Mbare, where six blocks are nearing completion under the ED AID 1 initiative.
The project team, led by ED AID 1 chief executive officer Mr Brian Pande and project managers Mr Taurai Pande, Mr Chamunorwa Marufu and Mr Prince Munyaradzi Munangwa, recently assessed the flats before contractors were engaged.
Work on the six blocks has included painting both the interior and exterior walls, replacing some window panes, and repairing, painting and tiling toilets.
Over the weekend, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume toured the flats and expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying the City would contribute where possible towards the renovations.
So far, work has been completed on six blocks, with the remaining 51 expected to be attended to in due course.
Cllr Mafume said council would continue supporting the renovations, which are part of efforts to improve living conditions for residents.
“The renovations are taking place at a decent place, and we are grateful to EDAID 1 for the work that they are doing. We have taken note and integrated them into our works so that we can also upgrade other infrastructure here. Indeed, we have found partners in EDAID 1 that we can work with to improve living conditions in Mbare,” he said.
EDAID 1 spokesperson Mr Tino Pande said work on the sewer system was progressing following the completion of renovations at the six blocks.
“At least six blocks have been completed so far, and we have renovated all the ablution facilities and replaced windows and floors,” he said.
“The sewer system was also not functional, and our works are underway to replace the entire sewer system.”
EDAID 1 plans to extend its rehabilitation programme to other dilapidated blocks of flats in towns across the country as it seeks to improve access to decent housing
In another interview Acting Town Clerk, Advocate Warren Chiwawa, also said the ongoing renovations at Matapi Flats are part of the City of Harare’s efforts to transform the capital into a smart city of choice.
He said he was pleased with the progress made so far, noting that the renovations would contribute towards improving the living conditions and overall appearance of the flats.
He said the city remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In an interview, the assistant project manager, Mr Tino Pande, said they were happy with the progress made so far by the contractors.
“In terms of the scope, our scope is that we are doing roofing, ceilings, plumbing, plumbing, glazing, all the metal works, flooring, right down to paving, free independent water supplies that are not part of the main city supply, and also the sewer and water reticulation system,” he said.
“We are rejuvenating the entire system, right, into the new sewer line that has been done. We are removing all the old, backed-up, and overflowed sewers that already exist. We have now revamped them and the entire project has scaled to a much greater magnitude. Right now, we are running at six blocks at a time.
“We have glazing taking place with the plumbing being taken out, placing new sewer pipes, replacing new toilets, new water systems, giving a fresh look and a fresh start for these buildings. These blocks had been deemed irredeemable, but we have proven that they can be redeemed. We are giving the people who stayed here, an opportunity to have a better life, better living conditions, a better living space.”
Recently, Ward 3 Mbare Councillor Simbarashe Chanachimwe commended President Mnangagwa for responding to residents’ concerns over the deteriorating condition of flats in the high-density suburb.
