Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Lupane – [email protected]
PRESIDENTIAL Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Minister Joram Gumbo has bemoaned the slow pace at which construction of civil servants houses in Lupane town in Matabeleland North province is progressing.
Construction of the houses started in 2005 but nearly two decades later, the houses are yet to be completed. Some of the houses have now been vandalised by thieves that are stealing door handles and window panes because the houses are yet to be occupied.
The houses are yet to be electrified and the water as well as the sewer reticulation systems are yet to be connected.
Work has since 2005 been progressing at a snail’s pace until last year when more resources were availed to do most of the works such as fittings, plumbing and putting up electricity poles.
The electrification of the houses is now awaiting the installation of a transformer.
Last week on Wednesday, Minister Gumbo toured the housing project in the company of the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs Fananai Madambi, chief director Mr Blessed Munatsi and other ministry officials.
In his address after being shown the civil servants’ houses, a visibly dejected Minister Gumbo said it was disturbing that the houses were still idle and in a near dilapidated state.
Minister Gumbo said he had noted that some sprucing up around the housing project was done ahead of his visit to give an impression that all was well.
“We had an opportunity to go around and tour the houses, the 19 F14 civil servants’ houses as well as those being built under the Garikai/ Hlalani Kuhle programme and I must be sincere that I am not impressed.
When His Excellency, the President says ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe ngabanikazi balo, it means it is us who should take a leading role in the development of our communities. What I saw at the civil servants’ houses is not impressive at all. Of course you had your reasons for this scenario because you couldn’t just say you are lazy but had to say something to protect yourselves,” said Minister Gumbo.
He said the Lupane community working with the Government, has the responsibility to ensure resources are mobilised to complete the project so that Government workers move to Lupane town.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter