Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
MBARE residents have welcomed the renovation of Matapi Flats in Harare by Engineer Collins Takunda Mnangagwa under ED AID1, saying it will go a long way towards bringing cleanliness to the area and solve some of the problems they have been facing.
Matapi consists of 14 blocks of three-storey residential flats.
Eng Mnangagwa dispatched a team, led by the project’s chief executive officer, Mr Brian Pande, Mr Taurai Pande, Mr Chamunorwa Marufu and Mr Prince Munyaradzi Munangwa, for assessment.
The team has since contracted workers to carry out plumbing and painting work.
So far, one of the blocks is being painted while plumbers are also repairing toilets and other areas at the flat.
Mbare residents applauded Engineer Mnangagwa for assisting them.
They said this was the first time that such an initiative had been undertaken in the area.
One of the residents, Mrs Sophia Nhundu, said some of their children had been falling ill to various diseases as a result of dirt and raw sewage.
“We are very happy and excited about this project. There was dirt all over this place, including raw sewage, and also the toilets we have been using were dilapidated. As you have seen for yourself, there is raw sewage flowing at the back of this block,” she said.
Mr Enerst Madunzva also said, “I would like to thank Engineer Mnangagwa for coming up with this initiative, as this place had become an eyesore and was in a bad state.
“I would also want to appeal to those conducting the works to ensure that they also renovate other blocks in this area.”
Zanu PF DCC Zone 6 Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Henry Shadaya, urged the people in the area to cooperate with the people doing the works and to also assist them.
“And I would like to also thank the First Family for remembering us by ensuring that we reside in a better place,” he said.
In May, Eng Mnangagwa was recognised for his contribution to socio-economic transformation and community empowerment after winning the Leadership in Socio-Economic Development and Community Empowerment award at the Community Builders in Africa Awards ceremony.
As head of a diversified group with interests in mining, logistics and energy, Eng Mnangagwa has been commended for driving strategic growth while supporting initiatives that improve the livelihoods of communities.
Over the years, he has overseen projects that have strengthened communities through job creation, local economic development, and targeted social support programmes.
Built decades ago to accommodate thousands of residents, Matapi Flats have fallen into severe disrepair over the years.
The flats were designed to house about 3 000 people, but are now estimated to accommodate close to 13 000 residents — more than four times their holding capacity. This overcrowding has contributed to the rapid deterioration of infrastructure and living conditions.
Residents have complained about broken plumbing, collapsing walls, inadequate sanitation and unsafe electrical wiring. The conditions have been described as “unfit for human habitation” by housing advocates.
The current initiative by Eng Mnangagwa, utilising local contractors, represents a departure from past approaches and has been welcomed by community members who have waited for a long time for meaningful intervention.
