The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter
THE Sakubva urban renewal initiative has been accorded the national project status with US$40 million already set aside for the first phase, which is expected to give the city’s oldest suburb a major facelift.
Infrastructure overhaul is expected to begin before end of year.
In partnership with the country’s leading financial, architectural, civil engineering and construction institutions, Mutare City Council is set to embark on phased destruction and regeneration of modern infrastructure, ranging from residential flats, market stalls to public and social amenities.
Mutare City Council spokesperson Mr Spren Mutiwi confirmed that their financer was working on the financial closure upon whose completion the construction work will begin.
“We are excited that the Sakubva Urban Renewal has been accorded national project status, and US$40 million has been set aside already for the first phase of the project.
“The national project status will help ease the cost of importing the required materials as it will be duty-free. This will also help in overcoming some bureaucratic challenges associated with the implementation of such huge projects,” said Mr Mutiwi.
He said the partners were working round the clock to expedite the process and ensure construction begins before end of year.
“Our partners are working round the clock to expedite the process to get the project underway before end of this year. In fact, the bank is working on a financial closure currently. It is also important to note that the national project status reduces the cost of the project, making the flats affordable.
“People should also be aware that under the Sakubva Urban Renewal initiative we will destroy and regenerate new and modern infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Mutiwi said the first phase will cover the Green Market, Sakubva Market and the Flea Market areas.
“It entails putting in place modern stalls and infrastructure. The project will be rolled out in phases and we are happy that there has been a lot of enthusiasm from partners in the construction industry, locally and beyond. Our thrust is that locals should come together and form building brigades that would benefit from the construction processes through provision of required building materials. Locals should take charge of the project. The registration process is already in progress and once the bank finishes its process, the construction works begin,” he said.
