Mnangagwa commissions Dzivarasekwa flats for Budir...

Mnangagwa commissions Dzivarasekwa flats for Budiriro floods victims

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned six flats in Dzivarasekwa which have a capacity to accommodate at least 48 familie.

Budiriro 5B Extension families affected by flash floods are the first beneficiaries to occupy the new houses.

The project which is under Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities under the Enhanced Cabinet Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management commenced in 2021 following devastating flash floods that swept away houses in Budiriro.

President Mnangagwa handed the key symbol to Taurai Mukonachimwe the father of a boy who was swept away during the floods on behalf of 28 other families.

While the 29 families from the 48 affected accepted relocation to Dzivarasekwa flats, 19 others resisted relocation and they are staying in their old houses.

In his remarks following the hand over ceremony, President Mnangagwa bemoaned the loss of life during the unfortunate disaster, noting that his government has sought to right some wrongs even though it cannot replace the pain of losing a child.

"The four blocks of flats, which have the capacity to house 48 households, were built in response to the natural disaster that struck our Budiriro residents in 2021, where some houses were submerged and others swept away by floods. A precious young life was lost, and property destroyed, while families were displaced, with some being housed at evacuation centres. Through this gesture, the Second Republic is showing its resolve to respect the principles of humanity and human dignity,” he said.

He also added that the construction of the flats goes well with the plans to provide shelter and basic amenities and show resilience and preparedness in the face of recurring climate changes.

“The development of these blocks of flats is in line with our National Human Settlements Policy, which I launched in Marimba, Harare, in September 2021. The policy takes into account the impact of dysfunctional settlements, spatial planning, densification and adoption of appropriate technologies to ensure climate change adaptation and resilience."