Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE rehabilitation of Mbare’s Matapi Flats is progressing well, with at least 150 youths employed under a refurbishment programme being implemented by Engineer Collins Takunda Mnangagwa through the ED AID 1 initiative.
Comprising 14 three-storey blocks, the high-density residential complex is undergoing extensive structural and cosmetic upgrades aimed at improving living conditions for residents.
Eng Mnangagwa recently dispatched a team led by ED AID 1 chief executive Mr Brian Pande, together with project managers Messrs Taurai Pande, Chamunorwa Marufu and Prince Munyaradzi Munangwa, to assess progress on site.
A visit by The Herald yesterday confirmed that most blocks have been repainted inside and outside, damaged window panes replaced, and ablution facilities repaired and tiled.
Assistant project manager Mr Tino Pande said the scope of works includes roofing, ceilings, plumbing, glazing, metalwork, flooring, paving, independent water supplies and upgraded sewer reticulation systems.
“We have worked on blocks 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
“They are now 90 percent complete, and the beauty of it all is that we have finished all the civil works pertaining to those blocks. We have installed water systems and, in terms of employment, we have engaged approximately 150 people,” said Mr Pande.
Following a recent tour of the complex, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume welcomed the facelift and pledged municipal support to upgrade surrounding infrastructure.
“The renovations are taking place at a decent pace, and we are grateful to ED AID 1 for the work they are doing,” said Clr Mafume.
“We have taken note of the developments and integrated them into our plans so that we can also upgrade other infrastructure in the area. Indeed, we have found partners in ED AID 1 with whom we can work to improve living conditions in Mbare.”
Acting Town Clerk Advocate Warren Chiwawa echoed the mayor’s remarks, saying the upgrades align with the City of Harare’s broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure and living standards.
Speaking at a City of Harare pre-budget consultative meeting at Mai Musodzi Hall, Ward 3 Councillor Simbarashe Chanachimwe thanked President Mnangagwa for responding to residents’ concerns over Mbare’s 58 ageing blocks of flats, adding that work would expand beyond Matapi once the current project is completed.
“We want to thank His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He is a listening President,” said Cllr Chanachimwe.
“We told him that our flats were in a bad state.
“They came to inspect them, and work started at Matapi Flats, which has 14 blocks. Work is now 98 percent complete.”
ED AID 1 plans to roll out similar rehabilitation programmes to other dilapidated blocks of flats in towns and cities across the country.
Source: 150 youths employed in Matapi Flats upgrade – herald
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