By Thabo Mosia
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, alongside First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, officially launched the Munhumutapa National Youth Housing Programme on 15 September 2024, at Victoria Range, Masvingo Province. The initiative is a government-driven housing scheme aimed at providing affordable accommodation to young people across the country. This ambitious programme is set to roll out nationwide across all ten provinces, securing housing as a critical asset for Zimbabwe’s youth, thereby laying the foundation for their future economic empowerment.
Overview of the Munhumutapa National Youth Housing Scheme
The Munhumutapa National Youth Housing Scheme is part of President Mnangagwa’s broader efforts to address the housing crisis in Zimbabwe, with specific focus on empowering the younger generation. In a public statement at the event, Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of “youth being able to secure a home” to build a better future for themselves and contribute to the development of the country. As Zimbabwe grapples with economic challenges, youth unemployment, and urbanisation pressures, this housing programme seeks to offer relief to these issues by providing adequate shelter, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development.
The president further revealed that 250 hectares of land had been allocated for the housing development in Masvingo. He directed that 40% of all land designated for housing development should be reserved for high-rise buildings and flats, a move aimed at optimizing space and enhancing urbanisation efforts. This directive aligns with global trends where growing urban populations have necessitated the building of more vertical housing projects to accommodate people in cities and large towns.
Phased Development Approach
The Munhumutapa Youth Housing Scheme will be executed in three phases. According to Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, the first phase of the project will deliver 667 stands, while the second and third phases will respectively see 450 and 1,200 stands being completed.
Additionally, the housing development will not only provide residential spaces but will also include critical infrastructure such as shopping malls, clinics, recreation centres, and educational institutions. This integrated approach aims to build self-sustaining communities that cater holistically to the needs of residents. President Mnangagwa also stated that the housing model will be replicated across the country’s ten provinces, further emphasising the government’s commitment to equitable development and youth empowerment across Zimbabwe.
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
The Munhumutapa National Youth Housing Scheme comes at a critical time when the country’s youth face immense economic challenges. Unemployment rates remain high, with many young people either seeking work or underemployed in informal sectors. By prioritising youth housing, the government also seeks to boost the local construction industry, creating thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and related fields.
The Ministry of Public Works estimates that the project will generate over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in the initial stages of construction. This includes roles for bricklayers, engineers, surveyors, and administrative staff, among others. Moreover, with the construction of additional infrastructure such as clinics, malls, and recreational centres, there will be continued employment opportunities beyond the completion of the housing units.
Zimbabwe’s youth population, which constitutes more than 60% of the national demographic, has long called for the government to make meaningful interventions that address their challenges. The Munhumutapa Youth Housing Programme is poised to be a significant intervention to improve living standards while offering long-term economic empowerment for the youth.
Government Commitment to Urbanisation and Housing
In his address, Mnangagwa outlined his vision for a modern Zimbabwe, noting that housing plays a pivotal role in national development. The president remarked, “A nation cannot thrive without its people being adequately housed and having access to basic services.” By directing that at least 40% of the land be allocated for high-rise buildings and flats, Mnangagwa reiterated his government’s focus on urbanisation as a means to manage population growth in key urban centres such as Harare, Bulawayo, and Masvingo.
This housing scheme aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, a national agenda aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. The housing development is part of a broader push to improve public infrastructure and boost the quality of life for Zimbabweans. The Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Daniel Garwe, has also expressed his optimism that the scheme will significantly reduce the country’s housing backlog, which is estimated at over 1.5 million units.
Social Media Reactions
Social media reactions, especially on X (formerly Twitter), have been a mix of praise and skepticism. Many have applauded the government for this initiative, viewing it as a step in the right direction in addressing the challenges faced by young people. One user tweeted, “Finally, we are seeing tangible progress in youth empowerment. Housing is the first step toward a stable future.” Another user remarked, “This project could provide the much-needed boost to Zimbabwe’s economy if executed properly.”
However, others voiced concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the government’s implementation processes. A notable comment on X stated, “The government must ensure that the youth who need these houses the most are the ones who benefit, and that the process is free from corruption.” Such concerns highlight the necessity for the government to remain accountable and ensure the housing scheme’s long-term sustainability.
Future Expansion and Replication Across Provinces
Beyond Masvingo, President Mnangagwa revealed that the housing model will be rolled out across the country’s ten provinces. This expansion aligns with the government’s broader goal of decentralising economic development, ensuring that growth is not confined to major cities but also benefits rural and semi-urban areas.
In Bulawayo and Harare, similar housing projects are already underway, with significant portions of land being surveyed for new developments. The replication of the Munhumutapa Youth Housing Scheme across these areas is expected to stimulate local economies and foster urban growth.
As part of the replication effort, President Mnangagwa has tasked the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities with monitoring the implementation of these projects to ensure timely completion and adherence to international construction standards. The president also highlighted the need for environmental sustainability, urging that the housing projects adopt green building techniques and incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar power.
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