BACKGROUND OF THE MINISTRY
Soon after the 2005 parliamentary elections the Government decided to come up with a vehicle to improve the quality of life, investment and infrastructure in rural areas. The idea culminated in His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde R. G. Mugabe establishing a new Ministry, the Ministry of Rural Housing and Social Amenities, in April 2005.
The ministry was created with the sole purpose of spearheading, coordinating and stimulating rural development in order to uplift the quality of life of people in rural areas. Prior to its creation, rural housing and social amenities provision fell under the various armpits of government departments and ministries.
On its inception the ministry had Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as its first Minister with Cde Joel Biggie Matiza being his deputy and Cde David C. Munyoro as its secretary. (Mr. Munyoro’s predecessor was Mr. S. Pazvakavambwa who had a short stint with the ministry.)