Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira in BAKU, Azerbaijan
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has challenged the private sector to play its part in providing housing delivery, saying the Government could not do it alone owing to several competing priorities.
The Vice President, who is representing President Mnangagwa, said this on Monday while addressing the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan.
The forum, being attended by world leaders, urban planners, and researchers, is meant to tackle the challenge of rapid urbanisation and raise awareness on the need for structured and sustainable urban development.
“Zimbabwe is aware that Government alone cannot meet the housing demand due to competing priorities and limited resources, and therefore highlights the role of the private sector in financing construction and innovation through public-private partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and infrastructure development,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said Zimbabwe remained committed to providing sustainable housing to its citizens.
“The participation of the heads of State and government at this 13th World Urban Forum, including Zimbabwe, where I was delegated by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, demonstrates the elevation and prioritisation of the global discourse on sustainable urban development,” he said.
The forum, which is running under the theme “Housing the World, Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” is meant to foster global collaboration on housing development.
VP Chiwenga is being accompanied by Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, Housing and Social Amenities Minister, Professor Paul Mavima, his deputy Musa Ncube, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Engineer Amos Marawa and senior Government officials.
