A GROUP of youths from Mbare, Harare, has embarked on an ambitious project aimed at uplifting the face of the high-density suburb by revamping dilapidated flats.
The initiative, spearheaded by local youths, includes room renovations, plumbing repairs and the addition of much-needed facilities such as a community computer lab.
The flats are famous for their dilapidated state, poor sanitation, which often leads to disease outbreaks and overcrowding.
One of the project leaders, Oliver Velemu, said they were targeting 58 flats including the well-known Matererini flats.
“So far, we have completed outside renovations on one flat, and the interior work is 58% complete,” Velemu said.
“The delay is largely due to funding constraints, as this is a self-funded project. However, we remain optimistic and committed.”
Velemu said the renovations had seen the replacement of aged sewage pipes which were prone to bursts, posing a health hazard.
Mbare Renewal Projects spokesperson Christina Gwati said they wanted to bring positive change to the suburb.
- Mbare flats ambitious facelift project
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“We’ve seen a significant shift. Youths who once spent their days on the streets are now involved in the renovations, learning new skills and moving away from destructive habits,” Gwati said.
Project director Christopher Kudakwashe Kusesa revealed plans to digitise Matapi.
“The goal is to ensure the youth in Mbare are digitally empowered, despite their challenging backgrounds,” Kusesa said.
Ahead of the 2018 elections, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga promised to replace the dilapidated flats with modern structures.
He later claimed that central government’s efforts were thwarted by the opposition-led council.
The opposition, however, says Zanu PF politicians have always frustrated plans to rehabilitate the dilapidated Mbare hostels.
Mbare flats, which were built during the colonial era, currently house thousands of families who use communal toilets and water points.
In 2011, a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to renovate Matapi flats in Mbare was hindered by political interference.
