Zimbabwe govt urges urban densification

The Zimbabwean government is pushing for higher-density settlements in urban areas to address land demand and protect agricultural regions critical to national food security. Speaking at the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex) in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Engineer Theodius Chinyanga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, cautioned against uncontrolled housing expansion on productive farmland.

Chinyanga highlighted that the country risks becoming "a nation full of houses but without food" if urban sprawl into fertile farmland continues unchecked. Zimbabwe, known for its agriculture-driven economy, must ensure farmland preservation, he stressed, if it is to remain agriculturally sustainable.

"We're promoting densification in our Human Settlement Policy," Chinyanga explained. "For example, building multi-story apartments in established areas like Makokoba makes it easier to provide services like water, which already exists in these areas, rather than investing in new developments that stretch resources."

AfriConfex, themed "Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth," has gathered experts to discuss sustainable urban planning, climate action, technological innovation, and financing for infrastructure. Chinyanga noted that Zimbabwe's housing initiatives need a sustainability focus, urging developers to consider density over expansion into agricultural zones.

Chinyanga cited Harare's Gletwyn Farm, a once-productive potato farm now converted to residential use, as a warning. "If this trend persists, we may end up importing essential crops like maize while living in large houses," he said. To counter this, he noted the government's plans to upgrade existing settlements and reduce pressure on agricultural land.

Discussing the role of technology, Chinyanga acknowledged its potential in Zimbabwe's urban planning but warned against adopting costly innovations unsuited to the local context. "Our Human Settlement Policy supports smart city elements that are affordable and acceptable to our people," he added.

Chinyanga also urged citizens to contribute financially for government-provided services. He noted a troubling trend where people leave rural farms for informal urban trading, affecting food production. The government aims to promote housing and development in "growth points" to create balanced urban and rural development.

The national housing backlog remains at an estimated two million units. Last year, the government reported achieving 71% of its housing delivery target, with 156,000 units completed out of the 220,000 target set for 2025.