Staff Reporter
… as he answers Doctors’ cry for accommodation
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has once again proved that he is a listening President, by giving a boost to Doctor’s confidence through provision of non-monetary incentives in the form of housing.
During the commissioning of Doctors’ accommodation in Marimba, President Mnangagwa expressed appreciation for the Doctors’ and civil servants’ commitment to work despite economic challenges.
“The provision of such institutional accommodation is part of my Government’s commitment to avail non-monetary incentives for the sterling efforts that medical personnel continue to make towards ensuring the well-being of all citizens countrywide.
“These housing units are being allocated to medical doctors, who form part of our frontline workers in the fight against the pandemic and are a key cog in our quest to achieve universal health coverage,” he said.
The President further commended Government for the reconstruction of the Doctors’ residence that was gutted by fire in Bulawayo’s Mpilo Central Hospital, and revealed plans for the construction of institutional accommodation for all health workers.
“Over and above this project, plans are also at an advanced stage for the construction of institutional accommodation for other doctors, nurses and health workers in all major hospitals across the country.
“Phase1 of this Project comprises the construction of several blocks of flats, shopping malls and other facilities at Sally Mugabe and Ingutsheni Hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo respectively. Thereafter the project will cascade to other provincial and district hospitals under phase 2 and 3,” said President Mnangagwa
The President also indicated that the Government was also aware and doing something for the rest of the civil servants, he revealed that a programme was being undertaken by the relevant Ministry.
“My Government through the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has also embarked on a housing programme dedicated for public servants, with discussion on financing modalities already at an advanced stage.
“The process must be speeded up to ensure the housing programme begins in earnest. That way, our public servants will be guaranteed of decent accommodation commensurate with their strategic national importance,” the President said.
Doctors and the rest of the civil service are on record demanding Government to address issues pertaining to their salaries and other non-monetary incentives to better their lives. This and other incentives before this are an indication that President Mnangagwa is indeed a listening President.
Meanwhile at the same occasion the President took an opportunity to launch the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, which will provide Policy on all human settlement developments, in the country and address issues concerning the provision of both on-site and off-site infrastructure prior to construction of houses. The policy will extend the scope of housing beyond urban and peri-urban centres to rural and farming settlements.
