Yvonne Mutambwa
Houses along Mbare’s New Lines area will soon be demolished to pave the way for the construction of modern flats using devolution funds, a cabinet brief has noted.
This comes after a fact-finding visit by government ministries declared the situation in the suburb a state of emergency.
Addressing a post-cabinet brief on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Acting Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said families in the area will be documented and be given temporary shelter whilst government works on new flats for them.
“Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that a fact-finding visit to the New Lines Area in Mbare, Harare by the Ministers of National Housing and Social Amenities; and Industry and Commerce, as well as officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, and the City of Harare, revealed that the situation is dire and requires immediate intervention.
“Some of the problems are that the Harare City Council, which charges monthly rentals of US$100 per room, is not carrying out any repairs and maintenance and blockages are attended to by volunteers,” he said.
The flats will be built from devolution funds.
“Cabinet noted the report: declared the situation a state of emergency and directed that Devolution Funds be used for refurbishing the sewer system and garbage clearance;
“Directed that the Ministry of Health and Child Care provides solutions related to health and safety.
“Directed that families in poor habitation be profiled and provided with temporary shelter in the vicinity, while their houses are demolished and replaced with blocks of flats”
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