Urban regeneration kicks off

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

GOVERNMENT is working on constructing new flats in Mbare as part of efforts to provide decent, orderly and affordable houses to the public under its urban renewal thrust.

The programme, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing will also witness the upgrading of old houses to meet local authorities’ requirements and standards.

Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing director for National Housing and Social Amenities, Mr Lexton Kuwanda, said the broader Government initiative was to give a new look to all towns and cities.

“In Harare, we want to start with Mbare as part of our regeneration programme, where we will refurbish and upgrade Matapi flats,” he said.

“There is a space we have barricaded in Mbare, where we are going to construct a shopping mall and we are also working on modernising the bus terminus so that, it becomes a hub for regional routes.

“We are also working on changing other small housing units into flats.”

Mr Kuwanda added that the projects were being funded by the Government as well as other investors.

“We are expecting investors to fund our projects and I’m glad the Mbare shopping mall has already been taken by an investor,” he said.

Mr Kuwanda said work was in progress to spruce up accommodation facilities in Sakubva, Mutare.