Source: Property developer launches US$14m housing project – herald
Michael Tome
SUNWAY CITY has unveiled a US$14 million integrated residential development that will deliver more than 800 serviced stands, as the property developer accelerates investment in urban infrastructure to support the drive to reduce the national housing backlog.
The flagship high- and medium-density residential programme, launched last week, represents one of the company’s largest housing investments and is expected to create modern, fully serviced communities supported by schools, commercial facilities, recreational amenities and other essential public infrastructure.
The development comes as demand for planned residential housing continues to rise, with the Government encouraging private sector participation to complement public investment in sustainable urban settlements under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The project carries a total planned investment of approximately US$14 million (about ZiG380 million) and will ultimately provide around 820 serviced high- and medium-density residential stands.
The first phase, under implementation at a cost of approximately US$5 million, comprises 254 serviced medium-density residential stands.
The development has reserved land for a primary school, an early childhood development centre, neighbourhood commercial facilities, churches, recreational open spaces and a police post.
Speaking during a tour of the development last week, Sunway City acting chief executive officer Engineer Valentine Zvomuya said the project reflects the company’s long-term vision of building complete urban communities rather than merely servicing land.
“One of the flagship developments that you have toured today is our high- and medium-density residential development programme, representing a total planned investment of approximately US$14 million, the equivalent of about ZiG380 million,” he said.
“This development is founded on a simple principle: that successful housing is not measured by the number of stands produced, but by the quality of communities created.”
Eng Zvomuya said the company was deliberately pursuing an integrated mixed-use development model that combines residential, commercial and industrial activities within a single urban ecosystem.
“We are deliberately developing an integrated, mixed-use urban environment that brings together industry, commerce, housing, education, recreation and public services into a modern, self-sustaining development where people can live, work, invest and shop within one well-planned community,” he said.
Eng Zvomuya said the approach aligns with Vision 2030 and NDS2, both of which identify infrastructure development, industrialisation, sustainable human settlements and private sector investment as key pillars of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
The residential programme will include a high-rise apartment development elsewhere within the East End area, supporting the Government’s urban densification strategy and promoting efficient utilisation of serviced land.
The apartment project, together with the medium- and high-density housing developments, is reportedly meant to provide diverse housing solutions that meet the evolving needs of Zimbabwe’s growing urban population.
Sunway City says it will ensure that all supporting infrastructure is completed before occupation.
This includes road networks, water reticulation, sewer systems, storm-water drainage, street lighting and access roads.
Beyond housing delivery, the project is expected to generate significant economic activity through employment creation and opportunities for local businesses.
Eng Zvomuya said the development employs close to 100 Zimbabweans during peak construction, with deliberate efforts to recruit workers from surrounding communities.
He said the project continues to create business opportunities for local contractors, building material suppliers, transport operators, artisans and numerous small and medium enterprises participating across the construction value chain.
“Sunway City is not simply developing land; we are building industries, we are creating communities, we are unlocking investments, we are creating employment and, in our own way, we are helping build the Zimbabwe envisioned under Vision 2030, and that remains our commitment,” he said.
Eng Zvomuya said the company remains focused on delivering sustainable commercial returns for shareholders, while supporting the Government’s development priorities and creating an attractive environment for investment.
“To our shareholders, we remain committed to creating sustainable commercial value,” he said. “To the Government, we remain committed to advancing national development priorities.
“To our investors, we remain committed to creating an environment where investment can flourish with confidence, and to the people of Zimbabwe, we remain committed to developing communities that future generations will be proud to inherit.”
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