Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
Government has ordered the City of Kadoma to decommission and urgently demolish General Barracks and Single Quarters housing in Rimuka to pave for the construction of flats.
The move is part of Government efforts to bring sanity and improved accommodation for citizens in urban centres across the country.
At least 1 000 people are living in GB’s and SQ’s and share communal toilets, while the area has no access to potable water, exposing them to deadly disease outbreaks.
Many people were victims of the cholera outbreak in 2008 in the area, amid reports that at least five adults share a single room.
In support of Government’s thrust towards modern housing facilities, private land developers here have also donated 50 residential stands earmarked for the relocation of the occupants, while council also hinted on availing its own land.
In his remarks during a full council meeting last week, Kadoma Mayor Alderman Action Nyamukondiwa said senior Government officials who toured the area during the recent clean-up campaign highlighted the need to relocate the residents.
“After the clean-up campaign, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga made a follow-up and had an interface with council officials, as well as land developers in the city where Craft Properties donated 30 stands, 20 being for the relocation of GBs and SQ residents and the other 10 for people living with disabilities in Kadoma,” he said.
Destiny Africa land developers donated a further 30 stands for the residents to be relocated.
“As council we are also going to avail our own land earmarked for the relocation exercise,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mhlanga visited the area in the company of Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka during the clean-up campaign.
On the relocation of the residents in the GBs, Alderman Nyamukondiwa said council had made arrangements to cater for the affected people.
“There is a 2016 resolution stipulating that any tenant with 20 years or more staying in that house and up to date financial books with council is entitled to get the house free of charge,” he said. “While those with less than 20 years will calculate on a pro rata basis and evaluate the price value of the house.”
Alderman Nyamukondiwa said council would embark on an exercise on each block in the SQs to note those willing to move out and receive the donated stands before the area is destroyed.
A recommendation is expected to be tabled before council after the final assessment of the affected residents.