A severe housing shortage within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has left many officers and their families living in overcrowded conditions, often confined to single rooms separated only by curtains. The grim situation has highlighted the long-standing neglect of police welfare and the urgent need for government intervention.
The revelation came from Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, during a pre-budget seminar held in Bulawayo last week. Speaking to policymakers, stakeholders, and law enforcement representatives, Minister Kazembe described the state of police accommodation as “deplorable” and called for urgent prioritization of officers’ welfare in the upcoming national budget.
“Police officers dedicate their lives to maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety,” Kazembe said. “Yet, many of them live in conditions where entire families are forced to share single rooms, using curtains to create makeshift partitions. This is unacceptable and undignified for those who serve our nation.”
Kazembe explained that curtain partitions, meant to provide a semblance of privacy, reflect the extreme shortage of proper housing for officers. These makeshift arrangements strip police personnel of basic comfort, privacy, and the dignity they deserve. The minister stressed that such living conditions undermine morale and hinder the professionalism expected from law enforcement officers tasked with upholding the rule of law.
“The welfare of our police officers must be a national priority,” Kazembe continued. “Decent living conditions are critical not only for their well-being but also for their morale, discipline, and commitment to duty. We cannot expect officers to perform at the highest level when their basic needs are neglected.”
He urged the government to allocate sufficient funds in the upcoming national budget to construct adequate and modern housing facilities for police officers across Zimbabwe. According to the minister, providing proper accommodation is not merely a matter of comfort but a strategic investment in the effectiveness and reliability of the police service.
Zimbabwe Police Face Severe Accommodation Crisis, Minister Kazembe Calls for Urgent Intervention
“Modern, well-constructed housing units will improve morale, enhance discipline, and instil a sense of pride among our officers,” Kazembe said. “This is essential for maintaining high standards of professionalism and ensuring the public receives the quality policing it deserves.”
The housing crisis, Kazembe noted, is part of a broader pattern of poor working conditions within state institutions. Public service unions have consistently raised concerns over inadequate pay, insufficient housing, and substandard working environments for government employees. The plight of police officers, however, is particularly urgent given their frontline role in protecting citizens and safeguarding national security.
Experts and civil society groups have long warned that neglecting police welfare could have far-reaching consequences. Officers living in overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation may experience stress, fatigue, and decreased morale, all of which can affect their ability to perform duties effectively. In some cases, low morale has been linked to misconduct, absenteeism, and a decline in service delivery.
Minister Kazembe also highlighted the symbolic importance of improving housing for law enforcement personnel. “The way we treat our police reflects our values as a nation,” he said. “Providing decent living conditions is not just about comfort; it is about respect, recognition, and restoring the dignity of those who put their lives on the line daily to protect others.”
While the government has occasionally implemented housing projects for police officers, these have often been limited in scope and unable to meet the growing demand. Zimbabwe’s police force has expanded over the years, and many officers are now stationed far from established residential areas, further exacerbating the shortage of adequate housing.
Kazembe called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, local authorities, and development partners, to develop and fund comprehensive housing solutions for the police. He argued that doing so would not only improve living conditions but also strengthen law enforcement capacity nationwide.
“Investing in the welfare of our police officers is investing in the security and stability of Zimbabwe,” the minister concluded. “We must ensure that those who protect and serve the nation are themselves protected from hardship and afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.”
As Zimbabwe prepares its national budget, the minister’s appeal serves as a stark reminder of the critical connection between welfare, morale, and performance within state institutions. Addressing the accommodation crisis in the ZRP will require significant resources, strategic planning, and political will, but Minister Kazembe emphasized that it is an urgent and non-negotiable priority for the country’s law enforcement and national security.
Source- Byo24
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