Staff Reporter
Government has rolled out several measures aimed at making homeownership more accessible, particularly for low-income earners.
These include the construction of high-rise buildings, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and reducing the cost of construction materials, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda has revealed.
Speaking on Government efforts to tackle housing affordability in Harare, yesterday, Minister Soda highlighted the need to address administrative bottlenecks that often delay the approval of house plans and related paperwork. These delays, he noted, increase development costs, ultimately burdening home buyers.
“The time it takes to approve plans can lead to increased costs for developers, which ultimately affects buyers. We are committed to expediting these processes to make housing more accessible,” he said.
Minister Soda also acknowledged that delays in housing approvals sometimes create an environment where corruption can thrive. With long waiting periods, some desperate home seekers resort to unethical means to speed up the process. To counter this, the Government is implementing strict timelines for plan approvals.
“By adhering to strict timelines for approvals, we can minimize opportunities for corruption and ensure a fair process for all,” he added.
Minister Soda expressed optimism that recommendations from the inaugural Competitiveness Summit held in Bulawayo which focused on strategies to reduce construction costs would contribute to lower housing prices.
“If we can control the costs of inputs like cement and steel, we can significantly lower the overall price of housing,” he stated.
One of the major breakthroughs in this regard is the commissioning of the US$1.5 billion Manhize Steel Plant in Mvuma. This project is expected to reduce steel prices, making construction more affordable, since steel is a major component in housing development; its affordability will directly impact home prices.
Government is also prioritizing collaboration with private sector players, including commercial banks, building societies, and property developers, to increase housing supply.
Minister Soda emphasized that these partnerships are essential to meeting the growing demand for homes.
“The private sector’s involvement is crucial in complementing our efforts to meet the housing demand,” he said.
By tackling regulatory inefficiencies, reducing construction costs, and fostering public-private partnerships, the Government aims to provide more affordable housing options for citizens. These initiatives mark a significant step towards ensuring that more Zimbabweans, particularly low-income earners, can achieve homeownership.
