‘Affordable, modern housing remains Second Republic’s key priority’ – President

‘Affordable, modern housing remains Second Republic’s key priority’ – President

 

Yvonne Mutambwa

 

The ownership of modern and affordable housing remains a key priority in the national development matrix and the quest to improve the standard of living of the ordinary citizen, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

 

Officiating at the launch of the FBC Building Society Fontaine Ridge Housing Project in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic is determined to create an enabling environment which will give impetus to the accelerated development of housing and other social amenities.

 

“In this regard, I call upon more real estate developers to partner with the responsible Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, taking advantage of the various opportunities that are being availed in our quest to roll out affordable and quality housing solutions for our citizenry.

 

“At the onset, I want to commend FBC Building Society for investing and facilitating the provision of a wide array of modern housing infrastructure for our citizens,” he said.

 

The President assured the housing sector that Government would facilitate investments in real estate development which is a critical enabler ensuring that communities enjoy the security, dignity and comfort that come with affordable home ownership.

 

“The Second Republic stands ready to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the private sector, to make our country’s human settlements, inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable as a way toward improving the quality of life of our people,” he said.

 

Midway through his speech the Head of State commended the FBC Building Society’s commitment to mainstream the ‘Green Buildings Concept’ provided under Sustainable Development Goal Number 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

 

“I challenge stakeholders in the broader built environment sector to integrate climate change adaptation and resilience in present and future construction works, as well as aspects of the National Beautification programme,” he added.

 

He however said the re-alignment of service provision standards such as the servicing of land before housing development, must be prioritised.

 

“Laws and statutes governing rural and urban 7 spatial planning as well as development control must be upheld all the time,” said the President.

 

The housing delivery pillar within the NDS1 is expected to deliver 220 000 housing units by 2025, through collective efforts from stakeholders and all parties involved in human settlements delivery.