By Hazvinei Mwanaka
Masvingo City Council now has 3812 people on its housing waiting list after reducing the backlog over the past 5 years.
Director of Housing and Social Services Simbarashe Mandishona said the Council has reduced the backlog by 2,39 % for the past five years, 2021 to 2025.
“The allocation of stands is conducted through an established system as outlined by the Council Housing Policy and the Systems and Procedures Manual.
These policy instruments provide Council officials with a framework to enhance equitable access and transparency during the allocation process, and adherence to these policies is strictly enforced.
“In terms of future plans, we have initiated the Morning Side Medium Density Project, and the layouts and designs have been completed.
Additionally, the Rujeko D housing project has been prioritised for 2026, with a total of 600 stands planned for allocation following the servicing of land,” said Mandishona.
According to Mandishona, Rujeko D’s work is in progress to mobilise resources to service the stands.
Asked about the underdeveloped stands in the area, Mandishona said they are repossessed if the beneficiary fails to fulfil the development conditions outlined in the sale agreements.
In 2024, the Council allocated only 17 stands from a total backlog of 3500 on its housing waiting list.
Masvingo Running Out of Land
Less than 20% of the land within the current boundary of Masvingo is available for residential development, which worsens the case for nearly 4,000 people on the housing waiting list.
The information contained in the city’s draft Masterplan paints a dire picture for the country’s oldest city.
However, Council says the 20% is “outside land already committed to planned housing development and CBD expansion across the Mucheke River.
“Additionally, the city has land outside its current boundary that can be mobilised for appropriate urban
land uses and supportive infrastructure.
The three properties are Townlands, Standard, and the Remainder of Clipsham.
In a bid to revamp the city, the Council is also looking forward to renewing some old suburbs.
“Old Mucheke is also ripe for urban renewal and redevelopment.
“City Health considers that some of the areas are now too overcrowded, posing health hazards to residents.
City Housing also considers the area to have run its useful life.
This has presented tenure and urban management problems that the city can resolve more strategically through transformative regeneration approaches.
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