Obstacles in the trajectory of parallel development: a case study of Victoria Ranch town, Masvingo

• Main Author: Takuva, Rejoice
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Housing > Economic aspects > Zimbabwe; Low-income housing > Zimbabwe
• Online Access: Takuva, Rejoice, (2017) Obstacles in the trajectory of parallel development: a case study of Victoria Ranch Township, Masvingo, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24610; https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24610

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Built Environment in Housing === This study unpacks the obstacles in the trajectory of parallel development implementation in Zimbabwe. Parallel development approach to housing allows housing construction to be carried out simultaneously with the provision of services (Government of Zimbabwe, 2012).Parallel development was implemented in Victoria Ranch with the aim to improve home ownership through affordability. The implementation of parallel development approach in Victoria Ranch produced a township without basic infrastructure and supporting services. Despite rapid house construction beneficiaries are unable to connect to services. This scenario affects the technical and social sustainability of the township. Thus this study interrogates the obstacles in the trajectory of the Victoria Ranch development. I employ a qualitative design which involved policy evaluation through a case study. I conducted fourteen semi-structured interviews with beneficiaries and officials from relevant ministries who are involved in the development of the Victoria Ranch. The interviewees were selected purposively. I also employed observation and transact walks. Following the study, this research report found that the project is affected by the politicisation of the project, lack of transparency, change of currency, lack of proper guidelines on policy implementation and less monitoring of the developers. === GR2018