Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A US$29 MILLION housing development in Zvishavane is transforming the mining town’s skyline while easing accommodation challenges for residents and students at Midlands State University (MSU).
The Midlands Park housing project, commissioned last year by President Mnangagwa, has emerged as a key milestone in the town’s socio-economic development by providing modern and affordable accommodation while stimulating local economic growth.
The complex comprises 28 residential blocks that can accommodate 56 households, as well as four-storey student accommodation blocks with 126 bedrooms capable of housing about 750 students. The development also features modern amenities such as fitted kitchens and individually metered water tanks.
Funding for the project was provided by the Public Service Pension Fund, which made an initial investment of US$16,5 million.
Residents say the development has improved living standards while addressing the long-standing housing shortage in the town.
Mrs Angela Sibanda, a resident, said the project has eased pressure on accommodation while improving infrastructure in the district.
“On the development side, the housing complex has improved the quality of infrastructure in our district.
It has also reduced the housing waiting list and eased pressure from civil servants seeking accommodation,” she said.
“The student accommodation complex is also addressing housing challenges for learners who previously faced high rental costs.”
Students at Midlands State University have also welcomed the development, saying it has improved access to campus and enhanced security.
MSU student, Mr Anthony Nyathi, said the accommodation complex has reduced travelling distances and brought convenience to learners.
“When President Mnangagwa commissioned these flats, it brought a new lease of life and changed the economic face of Zvishavane. We used to walk long distances to campus after missing our buses, but now with these flats, we are closer to the campus,” he said.
“The security system here is also very good, so we worry less.”
Zvishavane Town Council chairperson Councillor Takarangana Keta said the local authority is also benefiting from the development through increased revenue collection from water bills and rates.
“Someone who was in Zvishavane five years ago and comes back today will be met with a different environment in terms of socio-economic development. The highest high-rise building that we had was the Government Complex. Then we have a private building which was constructed recently, and the major high-rise building is Midlands Park,” he said.
Clr Keta said the development reflects the rapid urban transformation taking place in the town.
“The Government is advocating for high-rise buildings, and that is what we are implementing as a town.
Midlands Park has put Zvishavane on the map in terms of the prescribed types of building structures being pushed under the smart-city concept,” he said.
“Our department of spatial planning is on the ground assisting those who want to invest in the town.
Remember, we have the Midlands State University Zvishavane Campus, and the students now have accommodation and we applaud the Second Republic for this development.”
