Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba , [email protected]
THE construction of the Senga Messengers’ Camp block of flats in Gweru has resumed, with the contractors expressing hope that the project will be completed by the end of the year.
The project, which is part of the Government’s expansive housing development programme, was halted last year due to an impasse between the contractor, Pevimag, and suppliers.
However, construction works resumed this week after a series of meetings between the contractor and Government officials.
Upon completion, the housing project, which comprises four blocks of flats, will accommodate 64 families.
Pevimag Contractors started the project in February 2022 and went on to do site clearing, foundation (which is three metres deep for each flat), plinth beam or slab, superstructure, brick masonry work, and the lintel among other works.
When the ‘Chronicle’ news crew visited the site yesterday, work on raising the first floor had started.
The development is part of the 14 national priority projects under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), targeting to deliver affordable and quality housing in urban and rural areas.
Senga Messenger of Court site clerk, Mr Tariro Makonye, said he was optimistic that the project would be completed without any glitches.
“We are very happy that we have had some fruitful discussions with authorities and ironed out some hurdles in the process. As the contractors we are more than prepared to finish this project in the shortest possible time,” he said.
“Now that we are back on site after some fruitful discussions, we hope we will be finishing the major works by year-end ,save for some few touch-ups.”
A resident, Mr Tanaka Nyengera, said that once completed, the housing project is set to change the face of Senga suburb.
“I am very happy that I have managed to also get employment at this site. I can now fend for my family,” he said.
“It was really difficult out there, but now I am extremely happy for the project which came to my area.”
Ms Sithembinkosi Siwawa said the development of Senga and Gweru at large is welcome as it will result in employment creation for locals.
“We are very excited by the level of development coming to our area. Any growth brings about development which we so need. We wish to see banks and fast food companies coming on board as a result of such development,” she said.
In September 2021, President Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, a medium-term programme envisaged to drive national housing development.
The policy further captures the Government’s preference for the development of flats as opposed to stand-alone units. Vertical construction reduces the scourge of urban sprawl and maximises on the effective use of land available for urban expansion as densification significantly reduces the cost of providing on-site infrastructure.
Housing delivery is one of the 14 national priorities under the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
The key result area for the housing thematic area is the delivery of affordable and quality settlements in urban and rural areas.
To reduce the national backlog, the Government, the private sector and individuals are working together to reduce the housing backlog, which stands at around 1,2 million.
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