THE
PROBLEM OF HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND ITS ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL EFFECT ON THE CITY
OF GWERU, ZIMBABWE
Samson Rwadzi Mhlahlo
Abstract: The paper examines Gweru City Council’s efforts to provide housing, and analyses the housing affordability problem along with its economic and social impact on Gweru in Zimbabwe. It investigates how far lodgers have enabled both the landlord and the lodger to access shelter in Gweru, and observes overcrowding and the factors constraining progress in the provision of housing in Gweru. The study reviews responses to the affordability crisis by Gweru City Council, and adaptation mechanisms by the low-and middle-income home seekers. It summarises by suggesting solutions to the housing affordability problem.