Civil servants’ housing dream nears reality as homes rise

By Staff Reporter

HUNDREDS of civil servants under the Accelerated Presidential Housing Scheme are settling into new homes at Emthunzini and Rangemore on the outskirts of Bulawayo, as the flagship housing project nears completion, with works now almost 90 percent done.

The neatly built four-roomed houses, developed by Hawkflight Properties and Maharba Properties, are fully serviced with water, sewer reticulation and electricity, marking a significant step in Government’s drive to provide affordable and decent housing in line with Vision 2030.

The scheme, which targets civil servants on a zero-deposit model, is expected to deliver about 4 000 housing units, shared equally between the two developers.

Financing is being provided through the National Building Society (NBS), backed by pension funds from the National Social Security Authority (Nssa).

During a tour of the project on Friday, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, together with the officials from the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, expressed delight at the pace and quality of work.

“The progress here is impressive. This project meets key human settlement standards and shows what can be achieved when the Government and the private sector work together,” said Minister Moyo.

He commended the companies spearheading the development for delivering quality housing for civil servants.
Adding a political and historical perspective, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda, who also attended the event, said the project was a product of the gains of Independence.

“Independence gave us the power to plan and build for ourselves. Even under sanctions, we continue to develop our country.

“Projects like this are part of our national development strategy to achieve full economic independence and sustainable development,” he said.

Nssa general manager, Dr Charles Shava, also welcomed the progress, saying the organisation was pleased to see pension funds being channelled into tangible assets that directly benefit workers.

“We are happy with the progress at Emthunzini. This is a secure investment that improves lives while ensuring long-term value for our contributors,” said Dr Shava.

For many beneficiaries, the scheme represents an escape from years of renting and uncertainty.
One homeowner said the project inspired confidence at a time when many had lost money to bogus housing schemes.

“I am finally a landlord after 17 years of renting. I am happy and feel empowered and free. This feels like a genuine start. No one would risk using the President’s name on a fake project,” said Ms Sheila Ncube.

Last year, hundreds of housing units around Bulawayo were connected to water and sewer services after the Bulawayo City Council and Umguza Rural District Council agreed to share reticulation infrastructure following Government intervention.

The move resolved a long-standing dispute that had left some urban settlements relying on Blair toilets and boreholes despite being within the metropolitan zone.

Nationally, the Government has surpassed its 220 000 housing units target set last year and is intensifying efforts to address the housing backlog through the recapitalisation of the Housing Guarantee Fund and the National Housing Fund.

Under National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe aims to deliver one million houses and serviced stands over the plan period, ensuring access to affordable, modern housing and essential social amenities.

As walls rise and families move into their new homes, the project stands as a visible symbol of progress and a reminder that, for many civil servants, the long-held dream of home ownership is finally within reach.
Source: Chronicle