In an interview with The Zimbabwean the Minister of Housing and Public Works, Giles Mutsekwa, said that the money allocated last year and dispatched to municipalities around the country has all been spent.
The ministry was allocated $16,2 million in the 2011 Budget. Of this $12,3 million went to the National Housing Fund, which advances loans to individuals, local authorities and community-based organisations for development of housing infrastructure.
But residents complain that the amount charged by local councils for a stand is too much. For example, Chitungwiza sells a high density stand for as much as $3000, which is unaffordable to most.
Mutsekwa said pricing modules had to be followed in relationship with the performance of the economy.
“We have to appreciate that our people have cash problems, but prices must also make economic sense,” he said.
Failure by the poor to access houses have exposed millions, especially children, to health hazards as many families still live in squatter camps such Hopley where they sleep in cardboard and plastic homes at the mercy of the weather.
The government’s continued failure to provide housing has resulted in the rise of new squatter settlements.
According to a report by the government of Zimbabwe and United Nations agencies operating in the country, the current backlog of over a million people and limited budgetary resources has resulted in sub-standard housing, especially within cities.
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