NBS eyes massive housing project for Plumtree

The National Building Society (NBS) said on Monday it was eying a massive 600-unit housing project in Plumtree after it recently acquired 710 hectares of land in the border town.

NBS chief housing officer, Peter Mukomwe, told New Ziana the project would be carried out under a Public Private Partnership (PPPs) arrangement, and would be additional to 152 housing units it was already developing in the town.

He said the project was part of NBS’ broader vision to contribute significantly to the provision of housing in the country, particularly in the low-cost segment.

“We have acquired properties and land from local authorities. In Plumtree, we (have) 152 stands which we are developing. We have land to the tune of 710 hectares in the same area,” Mukomwe said.

He said the building society, which is part of the National Social Security Authority, had also big housing projects in Bulawayo, and was exploring for more.

These include Mahatshula, Queensdale and Matendere housing schemes, with the majority of the projects being carried out under PPP. Bulawayo, the country’s second city, has a housing backlog of over 100 000 units.

“We have tabled a number of proposals with the local authority (Bulawayo) as they are the custodian of land, so that enter into partnership. At the end, this will help us deliver low-cost housing that is affordable to the citizens of our country,” Mukomwe said.

NBS has targeted to provide 220 000 housing units between 2021-2025, an average of 22 000 per province.

NewZiana