Zim sees new wealth amid housing boom

Zimbabwe has found new wealth in a housing boom. A middle class has re-emerged during the recent economic turnaround, challenging the stereotype of poverty and instability surrounding the country.

In surrounding areas of Harare, vast bushlands are being cleared to make way for houses. Borrowdale Brooke, a wealthy gated community in northern Harare has been the vital oasis in poverty-stricken Zimbabwe. Thousands of small contractors are thriving in the wake of this boom because of rock bottom charges and greater flexibility, they have cornered a large share of residential constructions.

Owner of Duel Contractors, Gordon Saungwene said: "I used to grab anything that comes by, but now there are so many projects that I refuse to take other projects."

However, big firms are struggling with the transition.

During the economic meltdown, construction was largely financed by Zimbabweans living abroad, this has since changed as local earning power has increased.

"People have a lot of money, if one has a viable business we expect him to construct, you see the town here in Zimbabwe a lot of things are happening, I don't know where people, are getting the money, but people are constructing," added Saungweme.

The government has also been accused of sidelining local players, exclusively awarding tenders to Chinese and South African contractors.

The capital is however still far from retaining its sunshine status but  the new expression of wealth could also cast doubt on its latest title as one of the worlds worst capital.