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Chinese firm set to ease housing problems

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THE country’s huge housing backlog is set to ease following plans by a Chinese company, China Industrial International Group Zimbabwe Private Limited-(CIIG), to avail cheaper housing for low-income earners.
The company is setting up nine factories that will produce materials for the houses, mostly made from steel structures.
The company has already invested over US$2,5 million in the construction of four factories in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
Speaking to The Patriot, the company’s project manager, Bishop Jeche, said his company is out to empower the Zimbabwean people by providing affordable accommodation.
“China Industrial International Group Zimbabwe Private Limited, in partnership with the Local Government Ministry, is in the process of addressing the current accommodation crisis with a focus on bringing in new technology,” Jeche said.
“The Ministry allocates land to the Chinese company and it builds houses because we are looking forward to tapping into the current waiting list number and provide accommodation to Zimbabweans. At the same time CIIG builds houses for people who already have their pieces of land.
“These are low cost houses targeting people with low incomes. These houses are far cheaper than the brick and mortar and our clients can afford to start from low accommodation units and extend to bigger ones.”
Commenting on the misconceptions and perceptions of the product quality of Chinese goods, Jeche said his company is Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ)-compliant and provides a guarantee facility.
“We are out to prove a point that Chinese products are durable because we are using steel structures, hence our SAZ approval. We are also giving a 70-year guarantee on all our housing units to prove that point,” he said.
Jeche revealed that that CIIG is in agreement with the Indigenisation Policy and is working with the Ministry of Indigenisation to map out a plan that would see the currently wholly Chinese-owned company relinquishing some shares to its workers.
Many foreign-owned companies have had reservations over indigenisation, with some closing shop.
“As we speak, we have employed over 30 Zimbabweans with a few Chinese personnel training the locals on how to use the technology. We are working with the Ministry of Indigenisation on a shareholding structure that would benefit our employees,” said Jeche.
“We are in the process of building nine factories, with four already built. We are also using local products in building the housing units and we will only import raw materials which we cannot find locally.”
Speaking on the company’s green policy, Jeche said these housing units would have solar panels installed.
“The housing units come with solar panels which are installed on top to be eco-friendly to cater for the energy supply and we are working with the Ministry of Local Government in addressing the water supply,” he said. Jeche disclosed that the housing unit target is expected to also cater for civil servants.
“We have a target of constructing 20 000 housing units in five years and have already injected US$2,5million in investment.
“Our existence will see many people benefiting, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) whose parent ministry we are currently engaged in negotiations with.
“Our housing structures cater for the pocket of the individual who has ample time to make his or her payment.”
The country currently has a backlog of 1,25 million houses and this has resulted in the proliferation of illegal housing structures without proper water and sanitation facilities, posing huge health hazards.
President Robert Mugabe recently called on investors to exploit the opportunities in the construction industry through provision of housing.
“Housing provision is an engine for economic growth and serves as a barometer for economic growth,” said President Mugabe.
“It goes without saying that when this sector is viable, it creates employment for those in the construction industry and promotes small and medium enterprises who are the main suppliers of building materials.
“I must challenge and implore all of us that today we perceive the housing backlog as an opportunity not as a problem. A solution lies with all of us here.
“The housing backlog is an investment opportunity and the houses yet to be constructed are a clear demonstration of an opportunity untapped.”
Other projects by stakeholders such as Old Mutual have unveiled over 3 000 housing units in Budiriro Suburb in a move aimed at reducing the housing backlog.

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