1. Provincial Outreach Programmes
In order to achieve greater coherence and setting the pitch in the provision of rural housing and social amenities, the Ministry undertook an eight-week outreach programme by visiting all the 8 provinces beginning January. A two-pronged approach was used in executing these programmes. The first approach was carried by the Minister who mobilized and conscientised the Provincial Development Committees and Provincial Council of the respective provinces on the policy thrust and Mandate of the Ministry. The second was carried by Ministry officials who reinforced the Minister's message by proclaiming the actual programmes on the ground.
2. Awareness Activities
The Ministry exhibited at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) from 24 th to the 29 th of April 2006 as a way of showcasing its activities and establishing interface and linkages with line ministries, development partners, the corporate world and the general public. The participation at this exhibition was also meant to promote awareness of the Ministry's policy deliverables and to reach on development needs of rural communities. As a result of this exhibition a number of people are now aware and appreciative of the ministry's deliverables as evidenced by requests from the general public on our services. The information gathered has been used in the formulation of the Rural Housing and Social Amenities Policy.
3. Policy Formulation
The Ministry finalized the Rural Housing and Social Amenities Policy with the assistance of line ministries and other stakeholders from the 15 th to the 17 th of May 2006. The policy provides the operational framework for the coordination and facilitation of sustainable rural development in uplifting the quality of life of people in rural Zimbabwe.
The policy comprises two major parts: Rural Housing and Social Amenities. The rural housing component focuses on the provision of decent, sound, affordable, housing infrastructure. The social amenities component on the other hand, focuses on the provision of accessible social amenities infrastructure. The policy direction is to empower individuals at all levels to take charge of the policy implementation process and raise the degree of ownership and accountability. In this regard, the Policy pursues a needs based approach. Beyond that, the Policy spells out alternative sources of funding to complement fiscal budgetary provisions from Treasury.
4. Research and Development
In its endeavor to promote research and development, prompted by the desire to enhance rural development through sharing of experiences, expertise and knowledge, a delegation led by the Honorable Minister, E D Mnangagwa visited China from 26 lh May to the 3 rd of June 2006. The purpose of the study visit was to learn experiences on sustainable rural development strategies. The Ministry attaches great importance to research and development and the resulting advantages of technical cooperation in rural development and continues to search for partners to develop this kind of cooperation, which stimulates beneficial technical progress and development. To that end a memorandum of understanding between the Construction Ministry of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Rural Housing and Social Amenities is being developed for eventual signing.
5. Projects Being Implemented
Construction of model homesteads is in full swing and progressing well. Chief Sigola for Matebeleland South is almost complete. For Mashonaland East - Chief Chinyerere; Mashonaland Central - Chief Makuni; and Midlands - Chief Maziofa work is currently in progress at different stages. Preliminary ground work for the commencement of construction of homesteads in Matebeleland North, Manicaland and Mashonaland West is underway.
Refurbishment of schools has commenced with the procurement and delivery of materials for Kawondera in Mashonaland West has been done. Work is also at advanced stage in the different provinces for the schools undergoing refurbishment in the 58 districts where procurement of the required building materials is being done.