Published: 30 April 2025

The much-anticipated US$16.2 million housing project in Prospect, Harare, is officially set to begin, with all necessary regulatory approvals secured, construction consultancy firm Troika Design Workshop (TDW) announced yesterday. The project, which is expected to offer middle-income housing options, is a collaborative effort involving TDW, Turnbury Property Developers, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, and Bitumen World.

TDW Project Director, Simanga Madhlabuta, confirmed that all regulatory permits had been finalized, paving the way for the start of crucial infrastructural development. "Troika Design Workshop, together with our construction partner Turnbury Property Developers, are undertaking the turnkey development of Prospect One, a significant US$16.2 million property project awarded by Old Mutual Zimbabwe in 2024, located on 8.3 hectares near Prospect Industrial Park in Harare's medium-density suburbs," Madhlabuta said in a statement.

The project is slated to be implemented in three phases and aims to provide diverse housing options for middle-income earners. The first phase will feature 136 standalone four-bedroom houses, while the second phase will include 144 high-rise residential apartments, consisting of 72 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units, and 36 bedsitters. The third phase will see the addition of community amenities such as a children's playground, a gatehouse, a borehole, 24-hour security, solar power, and an on-site clinic.

Madhlabuta highlighted the role of Bitumen Construction, which will handle the road and underground infrastructure. "This collaboration marks a significant step forward in realizing the vision for Prospect One," he noted. "Specifics of the Bitumen Construction partnership include civil works contracts, including road construction, stormwater drainage systems, water supply infrastructure, and sewage articulation. The estimated timeline for completion of the civil works is 3 to 4 months."

The development will follow a phased approach, with the first phase focusing on establishing the trunk sewer system, which will connect to Harare's main sewer network. "This foundational infrastructure is essential before further development can proceed," said Madhlabuta.

The second phase will focus on constructing internal roads and implementing stormwater drainage systems. "This will manage rainwater runoff, protecting infrastructure and properties from potential water damage," he added.

The final phase will involve the installation of water and sewer reticulation systems, providing potable water to individual properties and connecting each house and apartment block to the sewer network.

Madhlabuta emphasized that the project would contribute to Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by providing housing stock for middle and upper-income families. Additionally, the project is expected to create around 500 direct jobs and numerous indirect employment opportunities in downstream industries.

"The project will embody innovation and sustainability, with all houses being solar-powered and using LP gas for heating and cooling," he said.

The Prospect One development is expected to cater to middle-income Zimbabweans and institutional investors seeking opportunities in residential real estate, marking a significant step forward in Harare's housing sector.
- newsday

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