Government and its employees will soon meet to finalise monthly contributions towards the Civil Service Housing Scheme whose prices have been reduced significantly.
A prior meeting two weeks ago projected US$150 as the minimum, but discord among unions ensued, with some arguing the figure was too steep. Apex Council Chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander told The Sunday Mail last week that US$150 was voluntary, adding that funding would be secured via mortgages.
The Apex Council represents all civil servant unions.
Secretary for Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Engineer George Mlilo could not be reached for comment.
Mrs Alexander said, “US$150 was an indicative contribution, meaning it was an estimate and, therefore, subject to change. It was a projection. We now await the flighting of tenders for construction of model flats, and that will give us an accurate and actual figure.
“The monthly contributions will be paid according to one’s age, the number of years served and the payment period one chooses. The projected figure is not compulsory, but voluntary. Those who can afford to pay this projected figure will be allowed to do so.
“Mortgage financing will also be availed. So, basically, people will choose what they want. Some civil servants are paying monthly rentals of US$150. That kind of a figure might be affordable to someone, but may not necessarily be comfortable to others.”
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe president Dr Takavafira Zhou said: “The entire matter needs to be clarified. What happens, for instance, when a member who would have contributed payments towards the scheme dies before completing the payments?
“There is need for Government to provide offer letters with actual prices and to state the number of years within which one is required to pay and the monthly deductions, etcetera. Presented with an offer letter, one will then choose whether or not to accept the offer.
‘‘We do not want a situation where names of members are scribbled on a piece of paper, with deductions following soon after. There is also need for proper consultation and planning.”
Government introduced the housing scheme last October as part of non-financial incentives package for its workforce.
Authorities have identified land for the countrywide project, with high-rise buildings being prioritised. The price of a two-bedroomed apartment has been slashed from US$32 000 to around US$24 000.
Over 75 000 civil servants have registered for the scheme, which was structured after days of engagement between their representatives and State officials.
Apex Council Chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander told The Sunday Mail last week that US$150 was voluntary, adding that funding would be secured via mortgages.