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Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
The establishment of Chiredzi’s new medium density suburb of Merlbone Park is taking shape,  with the servicing of over 1 000 stands almost 50 percent complete.

The project is part of  Chiredzi Town Council’s efforts to reduce the number of people on its housing waiting list.

A company contracted to develop roads has started work as the local authority battles to complete the project within the stipulated time-frame.

Town Council chair Councillor Gibson Hwende yesterday said the local authority wanted to avoid a repeat of previous mistakes when beneficiaries built homes on unserviced land.

“We are happy that council has managed to contract a company which is already servicing medium-density stands at Merlbone Park,” he said. “Currently roads are being opened and the contractor is now busy working on water lines. This is a project which council is undertaking wholeheartedly having learnt the implications of allowing residents to construct before development of roads, sewer and water works.”

He said the beneficiaries will enjoy all services as council was working flat out to make sure the stands were fully serviced before construction starts. “In Makondo residents constructed houses before the installation of water and sewer. We had to start developing roads while houses had already been erected hence causing problems on our end,’’ said Councillor Hwende.

Chiredzi Residents and Rate Payers Association chairman Mr Jonathan Muusha commended council for heeding residents’ complaints on the need to service stands before construction of houses.

“As residents, we feel council has paid for its sins and we are happy that they are successfully undertaking a smooth project at Merlbone Park. The disaster which characterised the Makondo housing project was an eye opener and what happened there should never be repeated in the history of Chiredzi Town again,” he said.