By Tendai Chisiri
Chegutu – The Urban Development Corporation (UDCORP) has made significant strides in transforming the lives of Zimbabweans through its Knockmalloch Housing Project, a flagship initiative that showcases the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing and promoting urban development.
UDCORP’s ambitious Transformation Strategy, aims to deliver a self‑contained, mixed‑density development featuring residential, commercial, light‑industrial, institutional, recreational stands, and a cemetery.
Knockmalloch housing project is 38 kilometers from Harare, under Chegutu Rural District Council along Harare – Bulawayo road.
Speaking at a media tour of the project, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, praised UDCORP’s efforts, saying, “The Knockmalloch project is about urban development, housing delivery, and infrastructure provision. It reflects our dedication to creating spaces where families can thrive, children can play, and neighbours can form lasting bonds.”
Minister Garwe emphasized that the Knockmalloch project exemplifies the government’s “Call to Action – No Compromise to Service Delivery,” aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of creating an upper‑middle‑income society. He highlighted UDCORP’s pivotal role in translating this call into tangible outcomes, noting the corporation’s innovative approaches to sustainability, including the incorporation of bio‑digesters and boreholes for all residents.
Garwe underscored the government’s commitment to supporting UDCORP, announcing plans to allocate more land to the corporation to accelerate housing delivery and urban development. “We are transforming lives and communities, one brick at a time,” he said.
Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities , Zhemu Soda also speaking at the same occasion, echoed Minister Garwe’s sentiments, stating, “Urban development is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about creating communities of dignity, opportunity, and progress. It is about ensuring that every Zimbabwean family has access to decent shelter and serviced land.”
Minister Soda reiterated the project’s alignment with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, stressing that UDCORP is crucial to the Infrastructure Development and Housing Thematic Working Group. He expressed the Ministry’s commitment to recapitalizing UDCORP to enhance its contribution to national development objectives and achieve decent shelter for every Zimbabwean family.
UDCORP Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joey Shumbamhini, announced key achievements under the corporation’s Transformation Strategy, including a shift from a loss‑making to a profit‑making position, improved corporate‑governance compliance at 96 %, and the successful resuscitation of the Knockmalloch project in July 2024 after a prolonged stall. The project, now self‑funding through investments from individuals, corporates, and institutional investors like pension funds, has reduced its projected cost from US$40 million to US$22 million through a Value‑for‑Money Audit.
Phase 1 of the Knockmalloch Housing Project, targeting high‑density stands, is slated for completion by 31 December 2025, with infrastructure works such as sewer reticulation, water reticulation, storm‑water drains, and road surfacing already underway. A special Early Title Deeds Programme allows fully paid‑up stand‑holders to apply for individual title deeds promptly.
UDCORP CEO, Joey Shumbamhini, highlighted the project’s achievements, including the resuscitation of the stalled project, securing environmental clearance, and mobilizing resources from the private sector. “The Knockmalloch Housing Project is self-funding, and we have attracted investments from individuals, corporates, and institutional investors, including pension funds,” he said.
The project features environmentally friendly bio-digesters for sewer treatment and is expected to yield significant benefits for the community, including employment opportunities and improved infrastructure.
Shumbamhini concluded, “We have moved from a mindset of restoration to one of ambitious, forward-thinking construction. The resuscitation of Knockmalloch is a cornerstone of this new chapter, proof that we are ready to build, grow, and lead in the built environment.”
Both ministers and the CEO called on other Rural District Councils to emulate Chegutu Rural District Council by partnering with UDCORP for similar developments, reinforcing the government’s dedication to rural transformation and sustainable human settlements as stepping stones toward Vision 2030.
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