MASHONALAND Holdings Limited (Mashonaland) chairperson Grace Bema says public-private partnerships (PPPs) can unlock low-cost housing faster if approval timelines are made time-bound and local authorities improve coordination with private developers.
This comes as Mashonaland explores PPPs with government and local authorities to deliver low-cost housing for low-income earners.
The property developer, currently advancing residential projects in Greendale and Shurugwi while seeking additional land from local authorities, notes that stronger partnerships between councils and private developers are critical to boosting affordable housing supply, lowering development costs and accelerating project delivery.
This, according to Mashonaland, creates a natural continuation from its earlier portfolio-growth story while introducing a fresh policy and housing-delivery angle.
As of March, Mashonaland’s property portfolio was valued at US$94,76 million, up 0,1% from December 2025.
In an interview with NewsDay Business, Bema said the housing deficit, currently at two million, requires collaboration between all key players.
“We believe delivery can be accelerated through clearer and time-bound approval frameworks, streamlined planning processes, designated PPP coordination teams within councils, and stronger collaboration between central government, local authorities and credible private developers,” she said.
“Ultimately, the housing gap cannot be addressed by local authorities acting alone. Meaningful impact will only be achieved through practical collaboration, where councils provide land and enable approvals, while private sector players bring capital, technical expertise, speed of execution, and market access.”
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Bema said the group would seek PPP arrangements in Umguza, Harare, Masvingo and Lake Chivero.
“Across areas such as Umguza, Harare, Masvingo, and Lake Chivero, delivery will be accelerated through a more deliberate PPP framework, faster land release mechanisms, clearer servicing obligations, and incentives for private landowners to either develop, partner or release idle land for productive housing development,” she said.
However, Bema said land availability, decision-making and approvals were major constraints hindering development.
“The main challenge we continue to encounter is the pace of decision-making and approvals within some local authorities, which can delay project structuring, servicing approvals and ultimately housing delivery.
“In some cases, there is still limited adoption of structured private sector participation despite the scale of the housing backlog and infrastructure requirements.
“Land availability is another constraint, particularly where strategically located land has already moved into private ownership and is not being actively developed.”
Despite the drawbacks, Mashonaland’s key priority is ensuring land is introduced into projects at an enabling value, moving away from purely speculative market pricing, as this significantly improves affordability for home seekers.
“The model works because each party contributes its core strength,” Bema said.
“Local authorities provide land and enabling approvals, we provide capital and delivery capability, and communities benefit from increased access to serviced and affordable housing.”
