Christopher Makaza.

Harare Residents Trust (HRT) commended Government for moving in to renew blocks of flats in Mbare suburb which were gutted by fire last year.

In a press statement released today HRT also called upon Government to quickly move in to address issues of out-dated vehicle models and buildings in all urban centres in order to standardise urbanisation in Zimbabwe.

“The HRT views the Mbare flats renewal as a major positive step taken by Government in the provision of decent accommodation to the majority poor people who live in squalor. By recognising that the flats dwellers needed their structures to be renewed, Government should now consolidate the urban renewal programme.

“Government should also expedite the replacement of dilapidated water and sewer infrastructure in all the flats in Mbare within a given specific time frame,” reads part of the statement.

Yesterday President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited the renovated flats to assess progress where he said that he was pleased with the work done so far as it had changed the face of the flats and the hygienic conditions of the occupants.

He highlighted that it is the wish of Government to transform Mbare community into a modern town with modern infrastructure and recreational facilities adding that Government would soon embark on massive renovation projects in Mbare.

Speaking at the event, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo said that the provision of decent housing is part of priority projects under the TSP, together with power generation, water and sanitation, and transport and communication.

Minister Moyo emphasised that Government was committed to the total revamping of these super structures so that people live in better shelter and environments.