Mikocheni housing project nears completion

DAR ES SALAAM: MIKOCHENI staff housing project has reached 80 per cent completion, with the government pressing for the 101-unit development to be delivered in October as demand for affordable homes among civil servants grows.

Deputy Minister in the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ms Regina Qwaray, said the project reflected government efforts to improve public servants’ welfare by expanding access to quality and affordable housing.

“The project must be completed on time because there are civil servants who have already paid for these houses and are waiting to occupy them. At the same time, quality should never be compromised because it is what will build public confidence in our projects,” Ms Qwaray said during an inspection of the development.

The 18bn/- project, being developed by Watumishi Housing Investments (WHI), started in September 2024, with all 101 units already purchased by civil servants, Acting Chief Executive Architect Sephania Solomon said.

He said the development comprises one-, two- and threebedroom houses designed to meet different household sizes and financial capacities.

Mr Solomon said the houses were priced at more than 30 per cent below prevailing market rates, making home ownership more accessible to public servants. He urged buyers who had already secured units to complete outstanding payments to facilitate handover immediately after construction is completed.

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Ms Qwaray said the government expected WHI and the contractor to maintain construction standards throughout the remaining works, noting that timely completion was important for buyers who had already committed funds.

She also commended WHI for expanding staff housing projects into rural areas, particularly for teachers and healthcare workers, saying the initiative could improve employee welfare and help retain skilled workers in underserved communities.

The Mikocheni project is part of WHI’s broader programme to increase access to affordable housing for public servants, while supporting home ownership among workers whose incomes can make conventional housing options difficult to afford.

With all units sold before completion, the project also highlights continued demand for housing developments tailored to civil servants and offered at prices below prevailing market levels.