Introduction
This essay examines the regulatory framework underpinning sustainable and affordable housing, with a specific focus on Harare, Zimbabwe, as part of a broader dissertation on prefabricated construction technology as an innovative solution. The purpose is to explore how global and national policies shape the adoption of such technologies to address housing challenges. Globally, the analysis includes key frameworks like the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063. Nationally, Zimbabwe’s Human Settlement Policy and related frameworks are considered. This essay argues that while international frameworks provide guiding principles for sustainable housing, national policies must be contextualised to address local socio-economic and environmental challenges in Harare.
Global Regulatory Frameworks
At the international level, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) establishes housing as a fundamental right under Article 25, which includes the right to an adequate standard of living (United Nations, 1948). This principle underpins global efforts to ensure access to safe and affordable housing, a critical foundation for urban planning in cities like Harare.
Furthermore, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. Specifically, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) targets the provision of affordable housing and sustainable urbanisation by 2030. Additionally, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) promotes the adoption of innovative construction technologies, such as prefabrication, to enhance sustainability and affordability (United Nations, 2015). These goals are directly applicable to Harare, where rapid urbanisation exacerbates housing shortages. However, the implementation of these global targets often faces limitations due to funding constraints and varying national priorities.
Complementing the SDGs, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 provides a continental vision for development. Aspiration 1, which focuses on inclusive growth and sustainable development, indirectly supports housing initiatives through its emphasis on modern infrastructure and urban planning (African Union, 2015). While Agenda 2063 offers a strategic direction, its broad scope means that specific housing policies must be driven by national frameworks, particularly in Zimbabwe.
National Regulatory Frameworks in Zimbabwe
In the Zimbabwean context, the National Human Settlement Policy (2012) is a cornerstone for addressing housing challenges. The policy seeks to promote sustainable urban development and ensure access to affordable housing, aligning with global goals like SDG 11. It advocates for public-private partnerships and innovative construction methods, which could encompass prefabricated technologies (Government of Zimbabwe, 2012). However, the policy’s effectiveness in Harare is arguably limited by implementation challenges, including inadequate funding and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Additionally, the Zimbabwe National Housing Policy (2012) complements the Human Settlement Policy by focusing on reducing the housing backlog through modern construction approaches. Despite these efforts, Harare continues to grapple with informal settlements and a lack of infrastructure, highlighting a gap between policy intentions and practical outcomes (Muchadenyika, 2018).
Conclusion
In summary, the regulatory framework for sustainable and affordable housing in Harare is shaped by both global and national policies. Internationally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, SDGs (notably 9 and 11), and AU Agenda 2063 provide guiding principles for housing as a right and a development priority. Nationally, Zimbabwe’s Human Settlement Policy and National Housing Policy attempt to contextualise these goals, though their impact is constrained by local challenges. The implications for Harare are clear: while global frameworks offer a visionary direction, national policies must be strengthened with adequate resources and innovative approaches, such as prefabricated construction, to bridge the housing gap effectively.
References
- African Union (2015) Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. African Union Commission.
- Government of Zimbabwe (2012) National Human Settlement Policy. Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities.
- Muchadenyika, D. (2018) Informal settlement upgrading and the quest for sustainable urban development in Zimbabwe. *Journal of Urban Affairs*, 40(3), pp. 389-403.
- United Nations (1948) Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations General Assembly.
- United Nations (2015) Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations General Assembly.
