Housing Problems Expose Gaps In Government Policy, Critics Say – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has come under criticism after attempting to clarify the government’s position on the country’s so-called housing boom, with his remarks raising more questions than answers.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mangwana distanced the government from directly delivering housing, instead crediting private individuals and companies for the surge in construction activity.

“When Government speaks of a housing boom, it’s not claiming to have built all the houses—nor is that its role,” he said.

His comments, however, have triggered backlash from critics who argue that the government is quick to claim success but reluctant to take responsibility for delivering essential services.

Mangwana insisted that the State’s primary responsibility lies in creating favourable economic conditions.

“Government’s job is to create a stable macroeconomic environment where individuals and the corporate sector can thrive, invest, and build,” he said.

Despite this, many observers question whether such an environment truly exists, pointing to ongoing economic instability, high costs of living, and limited access to affordable housing for ordinary citizens.

In what appeared to be an attempt to shift credit away from the State, Mangwana added, “The boom is theirs. The enabling environment is ours.”

The remarks have intensified debate over the government’s role in addressing Zimbabwe’s housing crisis, with critics arguing that an “enabling environment” alone is not enough to meet the needs of low-income earners struggling to secure decent accommodation.

As pressure mounts, the government now faces increasing scrutiny over whether its policies are genuinely improving housing access or simply leaving the burden to the private sector while claiming indirect success.

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