Staff Reporter

Cabinet yesterday approved proposals on the use of new technology in housing construction as part of the strategy to mitigate the country`s huge accommodation backlog.

Addressing the media soon after the meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the new alternative technology will expedite works and save costs by almost half with up to a thousand units being constructed in half a month.

‘Cabinet was informed that the technology which is already in use in the Dzivarasekwa flats project, involves two options, namely, brick and mortar, and concrete. The housing designs will involve two and three-bedroomed flats, with social amenities such as water and sewer reticulation and electricity from renewable energy. The designs fit well into the Smart City concept,’ said Minister Mutsvangwa.

‘The alternative technology will expedite works and save costs by up to half, with a thousand units being constructed in 15 months. This should enable Government to deliver 200 000 housing units by 2023. Construction material will be produced locally, with the Harare Institute of Technology manufacturing the formers for the walling blocks,’ said the Minister.

She highlighted that the Cabinet noted with satisfaction that the new technology will benefit the nation immediately through technology transfer for the country`s entrepreneurs and skills development among the youths at training institutions.

The Minister said the structures will be part of the urban renewal and settlement densification programme that will assist in curbing urban sprawl and save space for wider range of socio-economic activities.

Minister Mutsvangwa revealed that construction works on the two former Messengers` Camps in Highfield Harare and Senga in Gweru will soon commence followed by a similar regeneration programme across the country.

In Dzivarasekwa, the Minister revealed that 44 blocks comprising 16 units each will be constructed in 2021, with the private sector participating in the construction of an additional 44 blocks. She said that Treasury has already provided funds in excess of Zw$1 billion in order for construction to commence.