By Rungano Dzikira

Development of a modern day settlement in Norton – KnockMalloch – is almost ready for occupation, as Government aggressively pursues its decent housing scheme targeted for low income families by 2030.

According to an official in the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, the project which comprises of 2026 residential stands looks set for completion.

“This project is accommodative to most in the civil service as many have indicated their accommodation preference. The project comprise of 2026 residential stands, as well as institutional stands, commercial stands, high rise accommodation, industrial stands and gated low density community, facing Lake Chivero.

“This speedy construction of the housing estate in Norton comes as Government seeks to clear the housing target of 100 000 houses per year, though due to other challenges we are currently targeting between 20 000 to 30 000 houses.

“Already there is a huge demand for accommodation especially in Harare, hence Government is trying to clear off this backlog as soon as possible,” said the official.

To achieve the target of 100 000 houses, Government says it plans to avail land to private businesses with the necessary financial resources to service the stands under a public private partnership.

KnockMalloch housing development is a mixed use of high density, medium density and low density housing estate, with modern amenities, located 38 kilometres along Harare – Bulawayo road.

UDCORP was primarily set up for the purpose of encouraging and assisting local authorities to plan and coordinate urban growth and development, as well as to improve the standards of living of the general populace of Zimbabwe through development of proper housing and related infrastructure.