Additional Reporting by Nobuhle Mahlahla
Shurugwi Town Council has intensified its housing and infrastructure development drive as part of efforts to improve service delivery and promote urban renewal in line with government policy.
Speaking the week, Town Secretary Archibald Ncube said the local authority is currently working with qualified land developers to service residential stands across the town, with projects including the construction of tarred roads, water and sewer systems, and drainage infrastructure.
“As a local authority, we are embarking on various housing, water provision, and infrastructure projects. We are engaging qualified and competent developers to ensure proper servicing of land — putting roads, water, sewerage, and drainage systems in all new areas,” said Ncube.
He added that the council has also set aside stands for the construction of schools, both primary and secondary, to ensure that new residential areas have access to essential social amenities.
Ncube noted that all projects are being carried out in line with national housing policies and the urban renewal agenda under the Second Republic.
However, the Town Secretary acknowledged that the council faces challenges from miners encroaching on development areas, some of whom claim to hold valid mining rights over land already designated for housing.
“We are facing challenges with miners — some claim to be legal, others not — who often move in after developers have already serviced stands. In some cases, roads and drainage systems have been destroyed,” he said.
Ncube said the council is engaging relevant government offices and stakeholders to address these issues and protect investors’ efforts and resources committed to housing development.
“We remain committed to overcoming these challenges and ensuring that investors’ scarce resources are protected. Our goal is to provide decent housing and modern infrastructure for the people of Shurugwi,” he added.
The housing initiative is part of Shurugwi Town Council’s broader vision to expand urban infrastructure, attract investment, and improve the living standards of its residents.
