Cost of developing an OGHK stand For those who will benefit under “phase two” of OGHK, which consists of paying between Z$ 8 thousand (million) and 13 thousand (million) for a vacant plot of land - the cost of developing a stand has become totally prohibitive, with building costs soaring by the day in a hyperinflationary economy. According to Bulawayo City Council officials, the cost of building a two roomed OGHK type house stood at Z$ 1,6 million (billion) in mid July 2006. This can be assumed to have risen to over Z$ 2 million (billion) by the end of August. Few Zimbabweans even in the middle class income bracket can afford this – and certainly none of those left homeless and desperate by the demolitions. The government itself has urged employers to finance homes for their workers on a buy-back basis, acknowledgement that individuals can hardly be expected to finance building themselves in the current economic climate. However, with 80% of Zimbabweans not in formal employment, the possibility of an employer-financed house is immediately limited to the very lucky few – and excludes almost entirely those who lost homes or backyard shelters, the vast majority of whom survive in the informal sector. Underlining the difficulty of building in the current climate, BCC officials report that by August 2006: • Out of more than 5,000 stands allocated since last year, only 2 houses have been built to roof level, with another 280 at foundation level and 12 at wall plate level. No house is occupied. ie 94% of stands allocated under OGHK remain completely undeveloped. In Plumtree on the western border with Botswana, houses are apparently being erected on OGHK allocated stands – by Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, who are sending money and materials home. But this border town is in our observation an exception in this regard. How many houses have been allocated in Matabeleland and Midlands? 59 Bulawayo: • • According to BCC, by August 2006, 464 houses had been completed, with another 236 houses at various levels: some of these are still at foundation level, others at window or roofing level: ie a total of 700 houses have been allocated. Not one of these houses is serviced or fit for occupation. No new housing whatsoever has been started since January 2006 owing to a lack of funds: these 700 houses are those that were already reported as being in process during 2005. More than 5,000 stands have been allocated, with no services: building is up to individuals /cooperatives and at their expense – 94% totally undeveloped to date. Matabeleland North: Victoria Falls: 60 By June 2006, 100 houses had been built and allocated: none have sewerage or water supplies - ie none are fit for habitation. 59 Figures are in some instances the government’s own as reported in the media; the authors also visited some of the towns listed and/or interviewed residents including town council officials, to establish details in other centres. 60 This small centre was among the worst affected during the demolitions, losing an estimated 64% of all available accommodation, putting tens of thousands out of shelter. 30