Govt, private sector unite for affordable housing

Staff Reporter 

Government is steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with the private sector to provide affordable housing, a critical step toward realizing the nation’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving upper-middle-income status for all citizens.

This dedication to expanding access to shelter aligns with the “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” (A Nation is Built by Its People) philosophy, which emphasizes local involvement in national development.

During the launch of the Tantallon Estates housing scheme, branded as the Nyore Nyore Housing Scheme, in Harare, Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi praised the initiative as a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey toward housing security.

Led by property developer Pinnacle Properties, the project aligns with the government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) objective to construct at least 225,000 houses by 2025.

“We are thrilled by this milestone. This is precisely what President Mnangagwa’s mantra ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ embodies. Seeing the private sector, particularly a reputable developer, joining forces to achieve our housing goals signifies progress in a direction that reflects positively on the nation.

“The Nyore Nyore Housing Scheme, situated on a 590-hectare parcel in Manyame near Chitungwiza, is designed to make home ownership accessible to a broader segment of Zimbabweans, particularly those who have struggled to meet the stringent purchasing terms offered by other developers. With this scheme, the private sector has proven itself a vital partner in addressing Zimbabwe’s estimated 1.5 million housing backlog,” Minister Ziyambi stated.

Chairman of the Nyore Housing Scheme, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa expressed his passion for providing affordable housing, citing the New Dispensation’s inclusive approach to uplifting citizens’ lives through homeownership.

“Our decision to roll out this massive project stems from a need to provide housing for those unable to meet typical developer terms. Our approach offers more flexible terms, ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to nation-building and housing delivery in Zimbabwe. The Pinnacle Properties has partnered with various stakeholders, including CBZ Bank, Seeff Properties, and Bitumen World, to support the scheme,” said Dr Chiyangwa.

At the launch event, Local Government and Public Works Chief Director Engineer Lawrence Mushamba, representing Minister Daniel Garwe, commended Pinnacle Properties for its efforts to provide affordable housing through a mortgage scheme.

“As the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we commend Pinnacle Properties for this well-designed, affordable housing initiative. This comes at a critical time, as we work to combat land barons who have exploited home-seekers,” Eng Mushamba remarked.

The Nyore Nyore Housing Scheme is designed to address the significant demand for affordable housing across the country and will be a critical component of Zimbabwe’s Second Republic efforts to ensure accessible and secure shelter for all. Once the project in Mashonaland East is underway, plans are in place to expand to other provinces, bringing quality, affordable housing within the reach for more Zimbabweans.

By collaborating with the private sector, the government is not only advancing its Vision 2030 objectives but also reinforcing a culture of local empowerment and community-driven development.

The Nyore Nyore Housing Scheme exemplifies how the public and private sectors can work together to create tangible and lasting impacts, contributing to a prosperous future for Zimbabwe.