Zimpapers Logo

Talent Chimutambgi
Herald Reporter
THE newly appointed Urban Development Corporation (Udcorp) board has been challenged to play a leading role in line with Vision 2030 which includes ensuring that people have decent housing.

The Udcorp board, which last existed three years ago, has been revived to work together with both the National Housing and Social Amenities Ministry and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to facilitate on site and off-site developments.

National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe appointed a nine- member board for Udcorp yesterday that included Dr Caleb Makwiranzou, who is the chairperson, deputised by Ndarova Audrey Kwangwama.

Other board members are Dr Savory Chikomwe, Viola Makanyara Chasi, Thubelihle Maphosa, Stabile Gandi Ndlovu, Betty Banda Nadya, Martin Chingaira and Takudzwa Gambiza.
In his remarks, Minister Garwe said President Mnangagwa had high expectations on Udcorp to play a pivotal role in the provision of houses and related infrastructure.

“His Excellency has high expectations that Udcorp will play a key role in the provision of houses and related infrastructure in the country,” he said. “The responsibility of ensuring that Udcorp delivers on its mandate falls on your shoulders.

“I, therefore, urge you to work hard, work smart and work as a collective to turn around the fortunes of the corporation.”

Minister Garwe said the country was seized with a myriad of challenges of illegal settlements emanating from parcelling out of stands by land barons.

“It is, therefore, common knowledge that the country faces challenges in providing decent accommodation to cater for its increasing young population both in the urban and rural areas,” he said.

“The result of this has been the increase of informal and dysfunctional settlements dotted throughout the country.”

Minister Garwe said the country was facing challenges in long lived housing infrastructure that needed to be renewed, which include in Mbare in Harare, Makokoba in Bulawayo, Sakubva in Mutare and Mahombekombe in Kariba.

He underscored the need for the board to comply with best practices of corporate governance in line with Public Enterprises and Corporate Governance Act.

“Let me emphasise the need for the board whilst discharging its responsibilities to ensure adherence to the best practices of Corporate Governance as spelled out in the recently enacted Public Enterprises and Corporate Governance Act.