Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- Zimbabwe should embrace modern construction technologies to reduce building costs, promote environmental sustainability and strengthen local expertise, an official said.
Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Musa Ncube said this while addressing delegates attending the ministry’s 2027 Strategic Plan Review workshop in Bulawayo on Thursday.
“Time has come to actively transform our construction landscape through modern, efficient and sustainable technologies.
“As we review our progress, we must evaluate how effectively we are adopting innovative building materials and methods that reduce costs, promote environmental stewardship and enhance knowledge transfer within the local construction sector,” he said.
Ncube implored the ministry to widen its collaboration with researchers and think tanks, saying their expertise could open new paths for housing delivery while ensuring projects met national standards.
The deputy Minister said the workshop would review the first year of the ministry’s five-year plan and guide its second-year performance cycle in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
“We shoulder an immense responsibility to ensure the provision of affordable, adequate and quality housing and social amenities for the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
He indicated that 105,000 housing units had been completed in Beitbridge, Tynwald in Harare and Dombodombo in Marondera, adding that the ministry had also purchased 21 houses for senior civil servants.
On title deeds, Ncube said 1,389 properties were ready for transfer against a 2026 target of 1,500.
Under the Kwangu /Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Initiative, 8,000 securitised offer letters had been issued out of a target of 13,000.
He said 54 government houses were rehabilitated in 2026 and implored the ministry to build on that progress.
“These achievements are a testament to your dedication, professionalism and teamwork,” he said.
Ncube said housing densification should be central to planning as the country works to address its housing backlog.
“Better use of land could accommodate more residents while supporting efficient infrastructure development.
“This strategic review must pinpoint where we stand. I urge you to assess stakeholder coordination, align planning processes and strengthen monitoring of densification targets,” he explained.
He also called for faster completion of the Unified National Building Code, which is being developed to replace the 1977 building by-laws.
“The code should help the construction industry meet housing targets while safeguarding quality, safety and professional standards.
“Let us aim to develop a flexible yet robust regulatory framework that facilitates investment, promotes green building practices and ensures safety and sustainability,” Ncube said.
The deputy minister called for stronger partnerships with private developers and financial institutions to accelerate housing delivery.
He said Zimbabwe’s position as a Class A shareholder in Shelter Afrique Development Bank had helped secure disbursements of US$25 million to CBZ and Crown Bank and US$12 million to ZB.
Ncube said the ministry should streamline its regulatory and administrative processes to maintain the funding momentum.
He also called for urgent action to advance housing projects for civil servants and resolve challenges delaying incomplete developments.
“No Zimbabwean should be subjected to unsafe or inhuman living conditions,” he said, citing people living under high-voltage power lines in Seke.
He urged officials to include rural communities in housing plans, provide technical guidance to people investing in rural homes and support the modernisation of rural settlements.
Ncube said the ministry’s belated World Habitat Day commemoration in Kadoma on October 29 this year coincided with the launch of the Great Dyke Housing Estate, expected to deliver more than 5,000 housing units.
“The task before us is great, but our collective will and expectations are greater.
“We can and shall deliver on our mandate to provide decent, affordable and sustainable housing and social amenities for all Zimbabweans,” said Ncube.
New Ziana
