By Christopher Makaza

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has today launched the Sakubva renewal project which will see the construction of high rise flats with the capacity to accommodate a lot of families as well as the construction of Sakubva flea market, a Green and Produce Market.

Addressing people during the launch, the President revealed that the project will enable the transfer of technologies such as solar, waste biogas, ICTs and other sustainable technologies.

“This will help enhance the sustainability of the project undertaking and add convenience to residence and travellers passing through the city,” he said.

“Today`s event marks the first phase of re-developing Sakubva through the construction of world-class new residential apartments. This project is a testimony of my Government`s commitment to support and facilitate the development of quality accommodation for our people throughout the country. The progressive shift towards modern, environmentally friendly, clean living spaces and built up environments, is a goal that must be realised, be it in urban or rural areas,” said the President.

He commended the city of Mutare for swiftly aligning with the development trajectory the country is undertaking, guided by the National Vision of becoming an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.

President Mnangagwa urged the private sector players to partner the Government and the local authorities on the various urban renewal projects throughout the country adding that under the Second Republic, Government continues to recognise the important role of the private sector in accelerating socio-economic development.

President Mnangagwa revealed that the Government has accorded the Sakubva Renewal Project the National Project status which will facilitate the quick implementation and completion of the project.

The project will see the demolition of old dilapidated houses and the construction of high rise flats with the capacity to accommodate more families. The second phase of the project will incorporate a new state-of the art Sakubva stadium and a new world-class bus terminus.

The total programme will ask for USD$140m. NSSA and Bank ABC are moving in to kick-start the project.

The project marks the start of a new model of building cities where expansion is upward, as opposed to spatially eating into agricultural land.