Sustainable urban growth key for housing

Source: Sustainable urban growth key for housing – herald

By Sikhanyisiwe Ncube

Director, Communications and Advocacy- Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities

Umguza, Matabeleland North — Zimbabwe on Thursday belatedly commemorated World Habitat Day at Vulindlela Township in Umguza, Matabeleland North Province, under the global theme “Urban Crisis Response.”

World Habitat Day, observed annually on the first Monday of October, is set by UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) as a moment to reflect on the state of human settlements and to reaffirm the right of every person to adequate shelter. This year’s commemoration highlighted the importance of strengthening resilience in urban areas confronted by climate change, conflict, rapid urbanisation, and inequality. The event drew government officials, private developers, built-environment professionals, the academia, financiers, and community members.

Government calls for sustainable urban growth

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo, Director for Economic Affairs and Investment Mr Godfrey Mukwakwama outlined long-standing developmental challenges in Matabeleland North, including water scarcity, housing shortages, and infrastructure deficits. He underscored the urgency of strategic urban planning and capacitating local authorities to enforce development standards, curb informal settlements, and promote climate-smart, well-coordinated growth.

Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Hon Zhemu Soda giving the key note address.

Minister Moyo highlighted ongoing investments aimed at strengthening water security, including dam construction, water recycling initiatives, and harvesting technologies — with the Gwayi–Shangani Water Project cited as a priority for the province. Reaffirming Government’s commitment under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, he shared a vision of transforming Matabeleland North’s urban areas into “centres of opportunity, prosperity, and beauty for all. ”

The word response in our theme signifies urgency, resilience, and collective action,” he said, calling for greener urban planning, efficient public transport, and resilient infrastructure built to withstand climate shocks.

Minister highlights national milestones and future focus

In his keynote address, Honourable Zhemu Soda, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, detailed Government’s efforts in human settlements delivery.

He revealed that Government, through the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), has established a property ownership joint committee to craft housing strategies for government employees. ‘To enhance private-sector participation and make housing more affordable, Government is finalising amendments to national rent regulations, he said.

(From Left, standing) G.G. Properties Project Director Dumezweni Sandi, Nomakhosi Sandi-Shoko Legal Director and Allen Ndumiso Sandi the Managing Director, (Seated) Midred Sandi GG Founding Director, GG Matthew Dumisani –Board Chairperson, Hon Zhemu Soda –Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Eng Kudzanayi Chinyanga –Permanent Secretary; Matabeleland North Director for Economic Affairs and Investment Godfrey Mukwakwama and Acting Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management Macmaster Mthethwa.

Minister Soda also noted Government’s priority interventions for communities affected by disasters. Recent examples include the handover of the Dzivarasekwa Flats to Budiriro flood victims by His Excellency the President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa last year, and the delivery of houses to Binga flood victims by Vice President K.C.D. Mohadi.

He commended Zimbabwe’s election to the UN-Habitat Executive Board (2025–2029) and highlighted progress under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which has seen the construction of over 800 000 housing units and housing investments exceeding US$1 billion.

The Minister also explained that to reduce the cost of serviced land and protect agricultural areas, Government is implementing a densification model as outlined in the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, which mandates that 40 percent of all residential land be reserved for high-density options such as cluster homes and apartments.

He emphasised the importance of secure tenure, describing title deeds as the highest form of ownership and a key tool for economic empowerment. He cited the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Programme, launched in 2023, which aims to formalise land ownership nationally.

Looking ahead, Minister Soda said NDS2 will prioritise 11 areas of focus which include: Expansion of Government pool housing for civil servants; Private sector-led housing and social amenities delivery; Provision of on-site and off-site infrastructure; Regularisation and sanitisation of informal settlements; Development of rural settlements; Provision of social amenities; Adoption of new building technologies and climate-proof construction; Urban regeneration and renewal ;Improved access to land for housing development; Densification and vertical expansion; and Access to both local and international housing finance.

Why Matabeleland North? A focus on balanced development

Permanent Secretary for National Housing and Social Amenities, Engineer Kudzanayi Chinyanga, explained that hosting this year’s commemorations in Umguza was intentional — symbolising Government’s commitment to balanced regional growth and its pledge to ensure no place is left behind.

Minister Soda, Government officials and GG properties staff at the tour of sewer ponds under construction at Vulindlela Township site.

He noted that Matabeleland North is experiencing rapid demographic change, making it a strategic focus for future settlement planning.

The Vulindlela Township Project, he added, embodies this year’s theme by promoting resilience, stimulating local economic activity, and creating employment.

Vulindlela Township: A Model for Modern Urban Response

G.G. Properties Project Director Dumezweni Sandi described Vulindlela Township as a modern, mixed-use, high-density development aligned with smart-growth and efficient land-use principles.

Key development components include:

4,500 serviced residential stands

Flats and apartment blocks for affordable, high-density living

A fully equipped hospital and health facilities

A shopping mall and commercial hub to boost local enterprise

Schools, sports fields, and parks to support vibrant, healthy communities

Mr Sandi highlighted ongoing works, including roads, electricity reticulation, water and sewer infrastructure, and street lighting. “This mix of uses allows Vulindlela to function as a self-contained, vibrant community where people can live, work, and thrive,” he said.

The project contributes to the Urban Crisis Response agenda through:

1. Infrastructure-first development

2. Mixed-use planning

3. Climate and social resilience

4. Inclusive and affordable access

5. Local empowerment

Umguza RDC prioritises smart, inclusive settlements

Representing Umguza Rural District Council, Mr Vusa Sikhosana emphasised that safe, decent housing is a fundamental human right. He commended G.G. Properties for adhering to development standards and supporting Umguza’s vision for sustainable and affordable urban growth. He announced that Umguza RDC delivered more than 1 500 serviced stands marking a significant contribution to reducing the national housing backlog.

Call to action

Zimbabwe’s urban challenges emanating from rapid population growth — demand urgent, collective action. As highlighted by speakers during the World Habitat Day commemorations, building resilient and inclusive cities requires the commitment of all stakeholders.

Local Authorities must enforce planning standards and promote climate-smart, well-serviced settlements.

Secretary for National Housing and Social Amenities Eng Kudzanayi Chinyanga delivering remarks at the event.

Private Developers should consider applying densification and mixed-use developments like Vulindlela Township

Communities are urged to play their part in ensuring adherence to formal approaches in housing land acquisition

Financial Institutions to consider expanding access to affordable housing finance through facilities offered by Government.

Government to continue driving densification, regularisation programmes, water security projects, and secure tenure initiatives such as the Presidential Title Deeds Programme.

Together, Zimbabwe can respond effectively to the urban crisis and build sustainable, dignified living environments for all as we seek to achieve a middle-income society by 2030.