Source: Matapi’s new face inspires Parliament as Dr Njanji leads oversight tour – herald
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
THE transformation of the historic Matapi Flats in Mbare is breathing new life into one of Harare’s oldest residential communities, with Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing expressing satisfaction with the pace of the urban renewal programme.
Led by its chairperson and Mazowe Central legislator, Dr Maxmore Njanji, the committee on Monday toured the refurbished flats as part of an oversight exercise focusing on informal settlements and urban regeneration initiatives in Harare.
For decades, Matapi Flats symbolised the challenges confronting many high-density suburbs — ageing infrastructure, overcrowding and deteriorating sanitation facilities. Today, however, the complex is steadily being transformed into a cleaner and more dignified living space through a partnership involving Government and private sector players.
Dr Njanji, who has spearheaded a series of parliamentary oversight visits across the country, said the redevelopment project demonstrated the potential of public-private partnerships in improving the quality of life for urban residents.
“We were having a fact-finding field visit in terms of informal settlements and urban renewal. We have witnessed the goodness of urban renewal here in Mbare and this is enunciated in the National Development Strategy 2,” he said.
“As Parliament, we are happy with the progress that we have seen. We have also observed the goodness of public-private partnerships where private players are complementing Government efforts.”
The visit forms part of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to monitor service delivery and assess the implementation of development programmes aimed at modernising communities and enhancing living standards. Under Dr Njanji’s stewardship, the committee has intensified engagements with local authorities and residents in pursuit of accountable and people-centred governance.
The refurbishment programme, being undertaken in partnership with Engineer Collins Mnangagwa’s ED AID1 initiative, covers 14 three-storey residential blocks and seeks to preserve the cultural significance of Matapi while equipping it for modern urban life.
Mbare legislator Mr Martin Matinyanya welcomed the facelift, saying residents had embraced the changes after years of watching the once-vibrant community deteriorate.
“We are excited by the works being carried out at this place. Before the renovations, the place was not pleasing, but as residents we are going to make sure that the renovated blocks are maintained,” he said.
The City of Harare has also hailed the initiative as a key component of its broader urban renewal strategy. Director of Housing and Community Services Mr Addmore Nhekairo said the recently completed city master plan would provide a roadmap for future developments in the capital.
As fresh paint brightens the iconic buildings and upgraded infrastructure restores hope among residents, Matapi is emerging as a symbol of renewal one that parliamentary leaders, under Dr Njanji’s guidance, believe could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across Zimbabwe’s towns and cities.
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