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Housing Problems Expose Gaps In Government Policy, Critics Say<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has come under criticism after attempting to clarify the government\u2019s position on the country\u2019s so-called housing boom, with his remarks raising more questions than answers.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Wednesday, Mangwana distanced the government from directly delivering housing, instead crediting private individuals and companies for the surge in construction activity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Government speaks of a housing boom, it\u2019s not claiming to have built all the houses\u2014nor is that its role,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mangwana insisted that the State\u2019s primary responsibility lies in creating favourable economic conditions. <\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment\u2019s job is to create a stable macroeconomic environment where individuals and the corporate sector can thrive, invest, and build,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In what appeared to be an attempt to shift credit away from the State, Mangwana added, \u201cThe boom is theirs. The enabling environment is ours.\u201d<\/p>\n
The remarks have intensified debate over the government\u2019s role in addressing Zimbabwe\u2019s housing crisis, with critics arguing that an \u201cenabling environment\u201d alone is not enough to meet the needs of low-income earners struggling to secure decent accommodation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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