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(HERALD) Harare in need of land for expansion

Harare in need of land for expansion
Herald Reporter

THE Harare Metropolitan Province’s ever booming population has created the need for more capital projects covering a wide spectrum of services such as housing and infrastructural development, health, social, education, industry and commerce. Speaking at the provincial council meeting in Harare yesterday, Harare Metropolitan Governor and Resident Minister Cde David Karimanzira said the land for expansion was needed urgently.

He, however, said urban development now needed to be vertical, looking upwards structurally instead of horizontal development as land had become a scarce resource.

Cde Karimanzira said the submissions by the Provincial Development Committee involved maintenance of major roads, sewerage systems and upgrading of the National Sports Stadium.

"These and other related projects should be put under spotlight as we prepare for the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament to be held in South Africa," he added.

The governor said the timeous implementation of these projects would ensure that the country qualifies to host some of the training sessions.

He said the country, which boasts well-developed infrastructure, should take advantage of this event so as to reap maximum benefits by attracting a major share of the estimated 35 000 participants and auxiliary staff who could all not be accommodated in South Africa.

"I therefore call for unity of purpose, especially given the fact that Harare Metropolitan is the reception of our country," he said.

Cde Karimanzira said Harare had also established an organising committee to spearhead the preparations and at the same time implement recommendations of the Cabinet Action Committee.

He called upon the private sector, local authorities and beneficiaries to actively participate in the establishment of essential infrastructure and desist from the traditional Government dependency syndrome.

The Provincial Development Committee is made up of representatives from four local authorities, namely Harare City Council, Chitungwiza Municipality, Ruwa and Epworth local boards among others.

The Provincial Council endorsed the Harare Metropolitan Province 2008 Annual Development Plan at the meeting.

The plan consisted of key sectors such as housing and infrastructure, health and social services, industry and commerce and education and training.

Some of the notable projects included the construction of Glenwood water and sewer reticulation and reservoir in Epworth, construction of Ruwa Sports Stadium, Zimre shopping mall and water treatment plant in Ruwa, industrial servicing in Chitungwiza and upgrading of sewage reticulation in Harare.

Labels: HARARE, LAND, THE HERALD

posted by MrK @ 5:59 AM