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Debra Matabvu
URBAN council authorities countrywide have begun submitting detailed plans to Government on transforming their areas under the urban renewal programme, which is part of the Second Republic’s drive to provide world-class infrastructure to the nation.
The Sunday Mail has gathered that the plans detail targeted development, financial partners, timelines and how the projects will be implemented.
Government is currently working with Harare, Mutare and Victoria Falls councils to facelift and start new infrastructure development projects.
Having launched the Mutare Urban Renewal project at the end of last year, which is expected to transform areas including Sakubva, President Mnangagwa is expected to visit the area later this month to appraise himself on progress.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Marian Chombo said the urban renewal project had begun in earnest, despite some local authorities facing financial challenges to fully implement the exercise.
“We have been facing challenges in some local authorities as service delivery was prioritised over the project,” she said.
“However, we have met some local authorities such Mutare City Council and they have submitted plans on how they will implement the project.
“They have started with constructing the market areas and they are currently in the process of relocating vendors so that the work can start.
“President Mnangagwa will be visiting Mutare towards the end of this month to assess progress being done in the area.
“Work has been slow in other areas such as Harare, Bulawayo and Gweru because at times service delivery was prioritised, however, work is set to start soon in areas such as Mbare.”
The Urban Renewal Project aims to modernise old and run-down suburbs into smart cities in line Government’s Vision 2030.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Spatial Planning and Development director Mr Honesty Magaya said settlement areas would be prioritised during urban renewal exercise.
“This is the thrust of the Second Republic that we utilise and rehabilitate existing infrastructure and construct new ones where there is a need,” he said.
“Currently we are working with Harare, Mutare and Victoria Falls, these are the local authorities we are currently helping with their reports.
“We had a meeting with Mutare last week and they laid out their plans and they have identified BancABC as their financier.
“There were delays by Harare in starting work, but we are now working closely with the local authority on their plans and we hope to finalise them soon.
“There is also Victoria Falls Council which has indicated in their initial report that they want rehabilitate Chinotimba Township.
“Although all councils have started on their plans, these three projects are the most significant we are working on right now.
“We will also be working on restructuring some settlement areas in different cities so that they are in line with the Urban Renewal Programme.”
According to the 2020 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme, Government is set to sanitise unplanned settlements such as Harare South, Caledonia and Gomboki in Mutare.
Online Reporter