LOCAL Government minister Ignatius Chombo yesterday told Parliament that government will tomorrow unveil a programme to build 200 000 houses or flats in the next three years.
VENERANDA LANGA SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER
Chombo also told the National Assembly during the question and answer session that he would not relent on his stance to demolish illegal vending stands, adding the $30 per month fees charged by local authorities for vending were very reasonable.
Responding to a question from Emma Muzondiwa (Zanu PF Proportional Representation MP) on government policy to ensure there was housing for all Zimbabweans, Chombo said: “The issue of housing is a concern to all people and government has been deliberating on the issue and agreed that 200 000 houses or flats be built in the next three years.”
On a question by Southerton MP Gift Chimanikire (MDC-T) about harassment of vendors and demolition of illegal stands, he said: “There are rules and regulations that guide how cities are managed or run, and there are properly designated areas where those intending to do vending activities are accommodated for as little as $30 per month.”
Meanwhile, Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said diplomats were not supposed to move more than the authorised 40-kilometre radius from Harare without approval from the Foreign Affairs ministry.
He was responding to a question by Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) who wanted to know government policy with regard to movement of ambassadors and donations by them to rural areas or to MPs.
Mnangagwa also said legislators should be vigilant and not believe all media reports after recent allegations in the media that 12 Zanu MPs were doing spying work for the United States Embassy.
