https://www.herald.co.zw/dilapidated-mbare-houses-declared-a-state-of-emergency-govt-moves-in-to-give-new-line-area-a-facelift/

June 6, 2023

Government officials conducted a fact finding visit to New Mbare Line

Mapping of Settlements againsts against approved layout plans.

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) has completed its mapping assignment for settlements in Harare Metropolitan Province, Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, Gimboki in Mutare, and in Karoi.

Construction of 17 flood victim houses underway in Binga

Construction of 17 flood victim houses underway in Binga, while the remainder of the houses will be constructed by the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities

The Empumalanga Project in Hwange is in progress

The Empumalanga Project in Hwange, which targets the provision of offsite and onsite infrastructure for 2 000 high density stands is at advanced levels of completion, with construction of water and sewer reticulation at 80% completion, and construction of roads and storm water drains standing at 66%

In Gweru, the Senga Messengers’ Camp Housing Project is progressing well

In Gweru, the Senga Messengers’ Camp Housing Project, targeting the construction of 11 blocks of flats, is progressing well, with construction having started on 1 February 2022 and the slab for 4 blocks having been completed

Core-Houses in Nsungwale, Binga construction is on 85% completion rate

Core-Houses in Nsungwale, Binga are being constructed by the Department of Public Works, 3 houses have been roofed, while the remaining 14 are at roof level, that is, the brick superstructure is complete, leaving overall project completion level at 85%. This is for Binga Floods VictimsCore-Houses in Nsungwale, Binga are being constructed by the Department of Public Works, 3 houses have been roofed, while the remaining 14 are at roof level, that is, the brick superstructure is complete, leaving overall project completion level at 85%. This is for Binga Floods Victims

Dzivarasekwa Flats construction is 56% complete

The brickwork for 3 of the 4 blocks of flats at the Dzivarasekwa Flats being constructed for households affected by flash floods is now complete, with the funding coming from Government. Provision of services for the additional 14 blocks of flats to be constructed in partnership with the private sector is underway. Overally, the project is 56% complete

Presidential Borehole Scheme Launched in Chitungwiza

The Presidential Borehole drilling scheme has been set in motion, with Chitungwiza being the first beneficiary of the initiative aimed at eradicating the perennial water challenges.

18 Boreholes Drilled in St Marys

18 boreholes have been drilled in St Mary's Chitungwiza under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme. Two more are going to be added to make them 20 in that area. The program is to be extended to Zengeza and Seke North and South.

Government Informs on mapping of Dysfunctional Urban Settlements

Government maps a way forward on dysfunctional urban settlements. The nation is informed that the exercise on the mapping of dysfunctional urban settlements commenced with Caledonia settlement and then proceeded to Harare South. Cabinet notes that construction works on the Treasury-funded four (4) blocks of flats at Dzivarasekwa (48 units) are now at 70% of completion and should be ready for occupation soon. Upon completion, the Dzivarasekwa flats will benefit mainly households currently residing in flood-prone areas such as Budiriro 5 in Harare.

Two evacuation centres constructed for people who settled on wetlands and areas reserved for servitudes and social amenities

 In accordance with Cabinet’s directive that households irregularly settled on wetlands and areas reserved for servitudes and social amenities be prioritised in every relocation exercise, the nation is informed that the procurement of tentage is underway. Two evacuation centres which can accommodate 200 people each have been constructed in Chimanimani and Chipinge Districts of Manicaland Province, while the identification of evacuation sites has been completed in other provinces.
 

Government is Taking Drastic Measures to Redress the illegal Construction of Houses on Wetlands in Most Urban Areas.

Government is taking drastic measures to redress the illegal construction of houses on wetlands in most urban areas without requisite infrastructure and will offer alternative spaces for all desperate home seekers who have been given a raw deal by urban councils.

Development of a Wetlands Master Plan

Government has began production of a “Wetlands Master Plan” which will guide land use management system in most urban areas

Compulsory registration of all construction companies in the country

Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe Construction Council Bill (2019), which paves the way for the establishment of the Zimbabwe Construction Industry Council (ZCIC), a body that is expected to keep in check unscrupulous building contractors preying on unsuspecting members of the public. The ZCIC is expected to ensure the compulsory registration of all construction companies in the country.

Resolving of land disputes for 15,000 conned home seekers.

The 15,000 legitimate stand owners in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza, should have title confirmed, while illegal occupants settled by land barons should be evicted, the Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land has said. Sixteen politicians and cooperative executives identified as land barons, the commission said, should be prosecuted.

Commissioning of the Sakubva Renewal Project

President Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project, an initiative to modernise the old and run-down suburb and turn Mutare into a Smart City in line with Government’s Vision 2030.

The project is being bankrolled by BancABC and the first phase will see an injection of US$8 million by the bank.
It is a tripartite arrangement spearheaded by Plan Infrastructure Development (PID), with Mutare City Council making 225 hectares available.

Launch of the urban renewal programme

Government has roped in Harare City Council on the Mbare Renewal Project which will see the construction of new infrastructure in the capital’s oldest township, town clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango has said. The initiative was spearheaded by Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, which is working on new city designs and urban regeneration projects based on the concept of the modern and self-contained smart city.

President Mnangagwa fulfills Mbare Promise

President Mnangagwa toured Matapi Flats in Mbare, Harare, to inspect renovations being undertaken by the Government as his administration fulfils its promise to refurbish the dilapidated hostels. The Head of State and Government visited the area last year, a few days before the July 30 elections after an inferno left 65 families homeless and promised to provide decent homes for the people of Mbare.