Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwean Government is committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to sustainable, modern, livable and affordable shelter, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 11 which emphasizes the need for “inclusive safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements,” says President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The President said this while addressing delegates at the official commissioning of the Beitbridge Redevelopment Housing Project and the commemoration of the belated World Habitat Day in Beitbridge yesterday, where he also applauded the responsible authorities for doing a good job during this COVID-19 era.
“I am informed that the Twenty-Eight (28) F14 Housing units being commissioned are a component of the Beitbridge Redevelopment Housing Project. I applaud the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities for successfully completing the project against disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown measures instituted to combat its spread.
“Completion of these houses is indeed testament to my Government`s commitment to deliver sustainable and affordable housing for our deserving citizens. I am indeed pleased that our civil servants working in this border town can now be accommodated in a dignified manner as we continue providing more housing accommodation,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President highlighted that allocation of the housing units shall be prioritized for Doctors, Nurses, other critical health personnel, members of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), amongst other deserving Government Departments and Agencies. He exhorted the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities to ensure that the installed flats component of the Beitbridge Housing Project is complete, inclusive of standalone houses, simplex and duplex apartments, whilst upholding matters relevant to aesthetics and ambience of the border town.
The Beitbridge Re-development Housing Project commenced in 2006 and its goal was to provide residential accommodation to members of the civil service targeting high, middle and low levels management. The project was scheduled to be completed before the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament, which was hosted by the Republic of South Africa as this would have improved the face of the border town.
The project which is being funded by Treasury under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) has seen the completion of 52 x F14 houses with 24 occupied and 28 yet to be occupied. The houses are connected to water, sewer and power reticulation infrastructure system.
