The Sunday News
Johnsias Mutonhori, Midlands Correspondent
GWERU City Council has resumed servicing of residential stands in Mkoba 21, more than eight years after beneficiaries paid for the stands.
Beneficiaries have over the years protested over the delay, with the city council arguing that it was incapacitated to carry out the project and was also waiting for a clearance from the Environmental Management Agency.
Officials said council has given the tender for the resumption of servicing to a local land developer, Sheasham which has already started road works. Acting Town Clerk Mr Vakai Chikwekwe said council alone did not have the capacity to develop the stands.
“Our main focus in terms of residential stands development is on Mkoba 21 which we delayed for a long time. We partnered with Sheasham to brace up our capacity since we don’t have the capacity to develop the area,” he said.
Gweru City Council spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramuseve confirmed that servicing was in progress, hoping it will be finished before year-end.
“The servicing of Mkoba 21 is now on full course and we are expecting that by December residents will be able to build their houses. I can also confirm that roads are under construction and all is going according to plan,” she said.
However, residents blamed council for using their money and delaying servicing the stands.
“I paid for my stand eight years ago hoping that I’m going to build my house while I’m still energetic and able to work. I was working as a teacher by then but now I’m retired. How can I be able to raise money to build a house now? We moved from office to office and it was only stories after stories,” said a local woman who identified herself as Gogo Zivanai.
Another local woman, Ms Jesica Mafuta who ekes her living from vending, however, showed gratitude acknowledging that council has finally made it possible for her to fulfil her hopes of owning a house.
“I’m really excited to receive the news that servicing of Mkoba 21 is now on. I saved for my house for so long and feel that my dream of owning a house is going to be fulfilled,” she said.
Mkoba 21 suburb is an extension of Mkoba, a high density housing most of Gweru residents.
