News / National
Govt urged to approve the National Housing Policy
10 Jun 2012 at 04:25hrs | Views
Stakeholders in the housing sector have called on government to speed up the approval of the National Housing Policy aimed at providing a framework of funding for mass housing projects in the country.
Although the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has concluded crafting the National Housing Draft Policy which will provide the framework for financing housing projects, it is still to be approved by cabinet, a development that stakeholders in the housing sector say is retarding progress.
Zimbabwe National Association of Housing Cooperatives board chairman, Mr Mike Duru says there is need to expedite the approval of the National Housing Policy which was endorsed by all stakeholders at the Housing Convention in 2010.
"The new National Housing Policy, which awaits approval by cabinet, is critical as it reviews the policies adopted by government in 1999 in line with new trends that are emerging in the housing sector," said Mr Duru.
Harare East Housing Cooperatives chairman, Mr Nelson Mandizvidza says failure to quickly approve the National Housing Policy is impacting negatively on efforts to deliver houses to the majority due to lack of funding from financial institutions.
"Housing cooperatives say they hope the policy will be implemented fully so that the community-based organisation can continue performing its complimentary role of provision of housing to the low income earners," Mr Mandizvidza said.
The National Housing Policy seeks to address the challenges faced by critical areas in housing development such as housing finance, promotion of housing cooperatives as well as coordinating the housing sector among others.
The idea to have a new comprehensive National Housing Policy was mooted at the National Housing Convention in 2009 aimed at providing a framework for funding of housing development and coordination in the housing sector.
Due to sanctions induced economic challenges in the country, government and local authorities have failed to embark on any major construction projects.
Although the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has concluded crafting the National Housing Draft Policy which will provide the framework for financing housing projects, it is still to be approved by cabinet, a development that stakeholders in the housing sector say is retarding progress.
Zimbabwe National Association of Housing Cooperatives board chairman, Mr Mike Duru says there is need to expedite the approval of the National Housing Policy which was endorsed by all stakeholders at the Housing Convention in 2010.
"The new National Housing Policy, which awaits approval by cabinet, is critical as it reviews the policies adopted by government in 1999 in line with new trends that are emerging in the housing sector," said Mr Duru.
"Housing cooperatives say they hope the policy will be implemented fully so that the community-based organisation can continue performing its complimentary role of provision of housing to the low income earners," Mr Mandizvidza said.
The National Housing Policy seeks to address the challenges faced by critical areas in housing development such as housing finance, promotion of housing cooperatives as well as coordinating the housing sector among others.
The idea to have a new comprehensive National Housing Policy was mooted at the National Housing Convention in 2009 aimed at providing a framework for funding of housing development and coordination in the housing sector.
Due to sanctions induced economic challenges in the country, government and local authorities have failed to embark on any major construction projects.
Source - Zbc
