New apartments commissioned

Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Reporter

The first completed block of Government flats at Aspire Heights, Aspindale in Harare was commissioned last week by National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe.

President Mnangagwa last Wednesday commissioned 28 houses for civil servants in Beitbridge as the Second Republic delivers decent accommodation.

The apartment block, with each flat similar to a modern standard Government house, has all the basic services including water and sewer systems, renewable energy and Wi-Fi facilities.

Addressing guests, Minister Garwe said there will be no demolitions in future, a trend synonymous with local authorities, but the Government will first relocate the affected families.

Minister Garwe said the development of the flats augers very well with the Ministry’s vision of modern, sustainable and affordable human settlements.

“I am enthused to note that this development estate is taking care of attendant social amenities in the manner of secure parking, play grounds, internet and entertainment connections, bicycle parking, drying area and refuse collection system.

“A complete settlement ought to have accessible attendant social amenities in place to serve the communities. Government is indeed pleased by this development which is an initiative championed by the private sector,” he said.

Minister Garwe said this project is proof that the private sector fully supports the national development agenda (National Development Strategy 1) and Vision 2030 as espoused by President Mnangagwa.

“It is also worth noting that Aspire Heights has heeded the Government’s clarion call to densify settlements with a view to maximise on infrastructure as well as conserving land for posterity. This buttresses the need to use the available land sparingly,” he said.

Flat blocks use a lot less land than detached housing and even when properly built with full width curtain walls use less materials.

Minister Garwe said his ministry has resumed efforts to bring order in these settlements, and is targeting Caledonia in Goromonzi, Southlea Park, Hatcliffe North in Harare; Gimboki South in Mutare and Cowdray Park in Bulawayo.

“Other areas requiring such initiatives will be considered as the programme gets traction.

“The Ministry is actively engaging the private sector and banks, through tendering, for the feasibility studies, design, funding and construction of infrastructure in the informal settlements. The process is now at an advanced stage,” he said.