Watch Before You Build A House In Zimbabwe

After many years in the diaspora and starting to think of retirement back home ,we ,(my wife and I) started to brainstorm different ideas.
We settled on free range organic chicken farming! 🥚🐣🐓😍. We will also grow organic vegetables.
We have lived in the United Kingdom for just over 20 years with our five children who were all home educated.
While living in the U.K we became very aware of food standards because food was not the same as what we had left behind.
Very early on we started buying organic food and wild fish. We would like to continue on this path of healthy eating and growing our own food.
The chickens will be pasture raised. We are implementing a permaculture farming method.
We will also be using the regenerative agriculture approach to help the soils get all the necessary nutrients.
We bought the land which had lots of gum trees which took a lot of nutrients out of the soil. We need to add these back using the regenerative agriculture approach.
We will use this platform to share information we learn along the way.
There was a pond on the farm which has dried out but we need to revive it as part of permaculture farming.
What is regenerative agriculture?
Soil health and the regeneration of topsoil (the surface layer of soil) are the main priorities of regenerative agriculture. Going well beyond organic farming, regenerative agriculture is a system of agricultural practices and principles that increases ecosystem health, improving nutrients in foods, which almost become a by-product of the planet’s restoration. Soil Heroes
What is permaculture?
It involves taking care of the earth and working with it. We will be using systems like rain capture and solar systems. Trying to be off grid as much as possible.

[@ruwaorganic]

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[@BlueLadder-Construction]

All the stories you mentioned seem to be typical experiences of diasporans when building back home but to be fair on both ends we are all getting scammed as diasporans. Looking at the construction industry in Zim as a whole it is unregulated and even professional companies are scammers. Most construction companies are basically just traders and individuals with no educational background or experience to know how to build a house from scratch. In your case after digging the trench and laying the footing, soil on both sides of it must be treated by chemical termiticide. Soil around the building site must also be treated, as well as the earth under patios before the slab is cast. This prevents termites from reaching your house through the surrounding soil - hence creating a barrier in their path. After being a construction engineer and owning a construction company in the UK we have found doing business in Zim challenging because in the UK you do the job and get paid after the customer is satisfied. Here customers do not take your advice as a professional and want cheap prices for quality work and in most cases do not pay you after a job well done, you chase up for payments and some we have had to give up on chasing because again they like to scam especially diasporans. To conclude we are getting scammed both ways but my advice is go with someone who has the same vison as you, do not expect diaspora quality from a Zim builder because they cannot see the vision. The amount of traders we have had to train and retrain is alarming in order for quality work to be produced it needs an experienced contractor with the same standards they do not understand quality finishing. Recently we have been lobbying the government to regulate the industry because most houses in Zim are not structurally sound, but brick by brick we will get there and it starts with us. Coming back home to change the industry has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done despite the challenges. subscribe to my channel for some tips on construction.

[@Her_Self..]

I am a female. I have built 2 personal properties in zim. At this point l feel like l know quite a bit. I am actually considering doing project management for diasporians. I hv been thru hell😂 now l know kuti hayi Zimboz the gvt is the least of our worries. We are our own worst enemy.

[@Tsunamiluva]

Kikiki. My sister, it starts with Government. Think of the story of the father Crab who chastised his son because he was walking sideways!! The society is a reflection of leadership my sister

[@charmaine5103]

@Her_Self how can I get in contact with you?

[@ruwaorganic]

True, people busy blame the government and yet fail to see where they go wrong as individuals.

[@Her_Self..]

@@Tsunamiluva how are the leaders made? They dont fall from the sky. The same ppl duping their brothers can wake up in top places.. We are very self serving. Same ppl can be the best if employed by whites, but are we not under same gvt as whites.

[@tawandamakawa9536]

I totally agree with you

[@andrewbundo2776]

If you want to build a house home get your monies together, take a long leave then go build yourself

[@teute256_6]

Absolutely. That's what am doing in Kenya.

[@VirimaiChigariro-ge7iq]

You are correct. It takes approximately 90 days to build a 3 or 4 bedroomed house from scratch, so you would 3 months off at the very least

[@yawmanu6112]

simple !!

[@ruthpartridge6314]

Exactly 💯

[@chipochichi1154]

Very right u are

[@majestic4124]

true l bought all my stuff personally got it loaded on a truck stored it at a different location from where my house was to be built. If they want brick force , plastic , cement, doors , ring beam , iron sheets they will have to ask the person l left everything with and that person will deliver it to them. Its an extra cost but l dont regret 😊

[@altopatraogee6630]

I'm a contractor(cabinet instatller). I find that some clients get scammed because they don't do their prior research on what to expect in terms of average costs for a well done project. They imagine the cost without any real research. Usually the imagined figure is lower than the actual requirement which they refuse to accept by all means. Others keep pressing the cost down. When a contractor refuses to take the job because you are over negotiating, thats your cue to being scammed. Lastly, the really good contractors advertise/talk less and act more. When a contractor yaps all the time about big projects they did etc, overmarketing themselves, they're probably not that good. Competent contractors often dont overshare on projects they did before to entice the client for the project. They don't answer unasked questions😅 I hope this helps someone on narrowing down on perfect contenders for their projects.

[@Niqx09]

I dont have a property yet but im glad i came across this video,thank you for educating us!

[@ruwaorganic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChatswithConnie]

I think it's high time these scammers should be named and shamed so that they will never get clients. Hamufunge kudaro?It's getting out of hand now.

[@ruwaorganic]

They change numbers and never reurn

[@Her_Self..]

It's actually easier to name the good ones kkk. Coz vashoma. Scammers haaa vakawandisa lol.

[@ChatswithConnie]

@Her_Self.. I know,yes, but still, if one is scammed, just name them so that the next person will not become a victim.I believe that way,they will know they are exposed and reduce their employability.Even if it means putting out their ID in the public domain.Once we start this exposition, surely they will learn a lesson.

[@raymondforchap8548]

I like and look forward to your videos because you give us the other side and challenges of returning home. Most videos only give us the glory sides of returning home. Much love from Cameroon !!

[@ruwaorganic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ginojaco]

If you are anywhere, but especially Africa and most especially in Zim, NEVER leave your projects unsupervised. Watch all builders all the time and don't pay a penny until it's finished and you are satisfied. 👍

[@yawmanu6112]

this practical with Africans .. l dont know how we were created !

[@bongsbeastie]

Zimbabwe! You have to be there and you have to buy everything yourself, i learnt the hard way. Vanhu vacho vatojaira zvekuba....they call it hustling, kungwavhangwavha. Thanks for the videos wangu

[@ruwaorganic]

They call it that and yet it is simply stealing

[@GHOST-mv3ki]

I’ve come to the summarisation that you are a genuinely good soul! Bless ya brother. Hope ya dreams come true for you and you’re family!

[@VhudziJena]

Advice I always give returnees like you. 1. Buy a 1/2 build its less stress 2. Some of the quality fixtures and fitting either bring with you from overseas or go on a Zim trip just to shop for yourself but do not fit on this trip 3. When you comeback to Zim come with enough money for the fitting to be done whilst you watch with your own eyes. 4. If it takes years let it after all you are not livinG in the house with immediacy I know people who have got to roof level and then had to demolition due to issues with foundation Trust no-one for too long because that complacency sets in

[@memoryfletcher8846]

Once again, very informative. I appreciate you for taking the time to educate us👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🙏

[@ruwaorganic]

Your're welcome 😀

[@ednahmoyo812]

So sorry about the scams you experienced. Thanks for warning your fellow Zimbos/Africns. May I say your English is 👌 top shelf. You have an excellent command of the English language. It’s a joy listening to you speak. Big up 🙌 to your parents who paid for your education 🙌👏

[@ruwaorganic]

Thank you! 😃

[@cbkash]

We learnt the hard way, too. Now we go and spend the time on the ground, from personally choosing, paying for materials from reputable companies and sourcing ng transport tega, nekutevera rori racho till ya off loader everything on the ground. Like you unodzidza wanyura 2 x plane tickets and 6 weeks leave twice a year is a cheaper alternative than having substandard materials and work done in your absence

[@jabulanirambwawasvika1683]

Thank you brother for the video, an eye opener. I will personally be on the ground and supervise every stage

[@morolong7733]

Very helpful thanks for sharing

[@victormthunzi9452]

thank you for sharing your stories they really educate and help a lot

[@ruwaorganic]

My pleasure!

[@mrmanq9517]

damn....you've been through quite a lot that side Makes it all the more special when things finally come together 🔥

[@ruwaorganic]

True, the trick is to keep moving

[@tafarapaul]

Now I understand why my sister went to buy her own material and went on to supervise the construction, it's better for the thieves to feel uncomfortable than to lose your money lol.

[@musamupfekeri]

Never build a house absent…never…never

[@beavenjnr4187]

Exactly. A house is one of the most important things you can own why would anyone build it remotely? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@zimboysacrobats3086]

Fact

[@zodwaduma9362]

​@@beavenjnr4187. People are working in far away places but they want to build properties. So you suggest they stop working and go supervise building?

[@beavenjnr4187]

@@zodwaduma9362 yes thats what I am suggesting. At least they should physically inspect the project at every milestone. Not realising paRoof level that the foundation/windows was misdone

[@ruthpartridge6314]

​@@zodwaduma9362I think if possible do a least 1 or 2 trips to physically see the progress even if it means things take longer

[@Thecuriouscollection52]

In all honesty, I initially believed you were describing a project we once undertook. The accuracy of this video is remarkable. Your candor and willingness to discuss the challenges you faced are refreshing. Unfortunately, not many individuals possess the courage to do so.

[@ruwaorganic]

Thank you so much, indeed the problem is rampant.

[@frankzhuga3203]

Ndadzidza wangu ,hopfuly l will be able to navigate through the scams u articulated in your video Watching from Australia

[@ruwaorganic]

Thank you so much, for your support

[@thembakhumalo3113]

Youre a hero my man...youl get there..big up..Take courage& counsel from the temporary setbacks.m

[@classical_movie_scenes]

I know a reliable person who did my house in Zim whilst I was in SA....she did a good job to be honest

[@ruwaorganic]

That's great

[@hapio1307]

Am learning from you seriously and I have subscribed already. Watching your videos from Washington DC

[@ruwaorganic]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@evereadyfall4150]

Thank you for your transparency. It will help others. So sorry about the nonsense you went through !

[@lenso3757]

I usually tell people kuti the leadership in the country reflects on its people and most people are now tsotsis in Zimbabwe.

[@newwave2017]

That’s bullshit. It’s all down to personal decisions. You choose how you want to treat people. Zim leadership “may be bad” but I wouldn’t blatantly choose to rob someone of their hard earned money, scam people or rob people. Honesty and integrity start from within. Let’s learn to be accountable and not blame everything on the government.

[@newwave2017]

That’s bullshit. Integrity and honesty start from within. I’m also under that same leadership but I wouldn’t blatantly choose to rob, scam or cheat someone out of their hard earned money. Let learn to be accountable. You decide how you want to treat people.

[@lenso3757]

@@newwave2017 Can u comprehend chief? I said, "..most people.." Where did I say all people?

[@newwave2017]

@@lenso3757 your comment still implies that people are tsotsis because of the leadership in the country, which is a flawed assessment as it comes down to a choice to be a tsotsi or not.

[@lenso3757]

@@newwave2017 You took BIG 's song and remixed it and you added it on your channel without permission u violated Copyright law. Just like in Zim Copyright violaters are not arrested so its normal to do what you did. U get my drift. U commited a crime unintentionally bcz in Zim its normal cz the leadership does nothing about it. So urimbavha.

[@lynnt907]

Very helpful information I have a plot of land and just about to start building. Thank You very much👍

[@ruwaorganic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mgt.a.1484]

thanks for sharing

[@ruwaorganic]

Thanks for watching!

[@venchkania7620]

Thank you so much for an eye opener this was very helpful, I was quoted 95usd / bag of cement by a friend that I trusted thank God I had to do my own research before the project kick started and I had to travel to zim by myself for the ground breaking and get genuine quotes.

[@user-dr3nk4gi9t]

Don’t trust anyone even your best friend the fact that you’re abroad they want to take advantage of you they think money is easy to make.

[@mhopi9744]

Ty so much fo yr honesty n warning us about the scammers tricks. Hv bn duped so many times n yr video brought hope again to me. God bless you n gd luck in everything 🙏 🙏❤️❤️

[@ruwaorganic]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@charleezy123]

Thank you for being honest and vulnerable with us

[@koketsothabangsekakatlela3118]

Well well well.

[@bbnCRLB]

A friend took my money and did only 1/3 of the project. He told me stories about how he used my money to solve a personal problem. I thought about getting police involved but realized it's going to cost me more time and resources. After then, I'm not trusting anyone with money or projects.

[@tawandatitonyamuzihwa]

Thank you for sharing Mkoma.

[@Nyax4Real]

I have been watching your uploads but this one made me your subscriber. Thank you for being so informative and truthful on how things are on the ground. Keep your fellow Zimbas informed, much kudos to you.

[@ruwaorganic]

You are so welcome

[@fiechaz]

Finding someone trustworthy is very difficult but not impossible. When my bro-inlaw built his house he asked for my assistance personally I'm not a crook, scammed etc...I would go to the big hardware shops in Hre send him the quotations get emails/numbers of the sales rep I dealt with so that he can also communicate with them directly. I would always send the exact quotations even for things such as transport even though I was unemployed at the time and could've easily put a mark-up it just wasn't me. Another point I would like to stress is when getting someone to manage your building get someone with an attention to detail. Someone who will pay attention to finishes and make sure the builders, tilers etc are doing a good job as some people won't have that attention to detail even though they may be trustworthy..

[@VirimaiChigariro-ge7iq]

No one here is saying how eloquent Zimbabweans are. Shame man. Thanks bro for the video. All the best with the repairs.

[@realizeurdream7399]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Sad it happened

[@thedude9984]

Life is a learning curve.

[@nomsamoyo2309]

My parents built my house very well. I wasn't there I was just sending money. When we got to extend theirs , it was so perfectly done as they had the experience.

[@ruwaorganic]

That's awesome

[@user-du6xz3dc3y]

Honour your parents.❤

[@sheltonmackey6449]

All you had to do was get on youtube before you build a well or anything to see how its built.That way you know if they are doing it the right way. You can ask the right questions to let them know you research how this is actully done. I also would have went to 10 houses built by different families to see who they hired before I started. Even here in the U.S. builders will scam you if you don't do good research

[@RastaAfricanGentleman]

The goal of all Disporians sadly when dealing with Africa, should be to navigate away from using independent contractors (where most scamming occurs) and rather use reputable big companies that offer the services you are looking for. Unfortunately you have to pay more for security, accountability and quality. Even 3rd world countries have reputable companies amongst the chance takers

[@allinadaysworkhakunamatata9187]

Check even your bricks , they could be only a third cement so it will crumble . Sounds silly but true storry

[@how5851]

You need at least a trusted Family member like your mom, father or child. I supervised all of my father's building projects when he was abroad. Everything was done perfectly.

[@ruwaorganic]

Glad it worked well for you. My father in law also did great things for us in terms of buying property. Unfortunately some people get scammed by close relatives.

[@bc9153]

It got tricky for a few people when their own parents duped them too but that's a grand idea..most Mums do well with these projects on behalf of their children abroad..

[@Digishack]

Use a lawyer or professional company to supervise

[@chengetaichikwanha1449]

Very insightful video. Thank you

[@RufaroMapungwana-ck6hz]

Black Sheet- Damp Proof Course. That is a very crucial element you need to make sure that any house you buy has before you buy. Most contractors skip this part to save costs but it’s very important.

[@ruwaorganic]

How do you tell it is there when buying an already built house?

[@RufaroMapungwana-ck6hz]

@@ruwaorganic when you buy a house which is shell and core it is usually easier to tell but you need to engage a technical person more like an engineer to check all the technicalities on ground. I usually recommend older players in the industry who have more experience for this. Also when you’re buying a house that has been built, do a clause in the contract for testing and commissioning for atleast one year which will allow you to rectify such errors so a certain percentage is held for this risk. I’m a Quantity Surveyor based in the Middle East and almost bought a house which had one of these issues but upon the review of our engineer and report after, we had to let it go. A good structure doesn’t always guarantee a functional building.

[@Christsword]

Bro, why do you keep getting caught up with these scammers? You should write a book called "Schemes and Scammers: The Untold Stories" about it. I thought it was just us Nigerians who faced this issue 24/7. I didn’t know Zimbabweans were going through the same thing too!

[@kim1570]

These issues are a continent-wide problem. I'm Kenyan, and these are the same challenges we face.. trusting friends and family to do/complete projects for us, contractors and other professionals who don't deliver, etc.. We as Africans generally have a problem with delivering quality.

[@clotildachamhuna1448]

Thanks a lot with the information

[@ruwaorganic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sylviakahenga3918]

Hi dear Thanks for all the information i really appreciate 🙏

[@ruwaorganic]

My pleasure 😊

[@thindo]

Having watched Chinese Tofu projects Im sure we Zimbabweans are following the same pattern

[@ruwaorganic]

Interesting, I've never heard of it. I will look into it.

[@perfectmoyo2512]

Im loving this ..may i please have numbers of the ones vakakuitirai mugodi wemvura

[@MrKuda2008]

This sounds so familiar. Ouch. Iam exactly going through staff you talked about. But I find my suppliers online and talk to them myself. The role of my family members is to supervise. Family members are better They will steal or scam you, butt they will restrain themselves because some know the consequences of their behavior

[@kairojay9356]

People here are very hungry, u gotta be on the ground if you can't don't

[@ruwaorganic]

I agree

[@citycarpartscitycarparts940]

Please keep making these videos, we need them

[@craigpeter9169]

Very well done man really appreciate your honesty

[@lmthunzi]

My advice is you should employ a local professional project manager to oversee your building project.. He/she will be will then advise the Client who is a layman. The project manager is the one who checks quality certify the work done and recommends you the Client to pay. Professional Project manger charge around 11 percent of project cost. Don't do the project management yourself as the Client it's a no no.

[@ruwaorganic]

Indeed, definitely lesson learnt

[@thoesibanda7769]

Sometimes it's a small project you don't want to spend so much 😅

[@onaleronazikhali2518]

They are all the same

[@bc9153]

I learnt the hard way to the extent of being traumatised..kunozviitira wega better sterek..

[@noahfungulo2394]

Your videos are informative.Keep it up bro

[@shamisoshumba2025]

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@shingie1855]

Very useful information thank you very much.

[@ruwaorganic]

You are welcome

[@falconshalom7165]

Thank you so much very helpful

[@ruwaorganic]

You're welcome!

[@johnsonkitchens685]

Thanks brother, well explained ❤

[@gladysjohnson2320]

God you went Through A lot Happy ending😂😂

[@tapiwamiyambwa7907]

Thanks for the insights, really helpful!!

[@ruwaorganic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chenjeraichari9578]

Sorry about that my brother anywhere it happened in Zimbabue becoz it happened to me a pastor from a well known church was giving me quotations from big hardware shops then he went ti the street and bought materials door frames and many other things i was very disappointed but what to do becoz it was already water under the bridge. Thank you

[@muzingwenya7494]

Please share the contact details of the ceiling guys. Thanks a lot for this podcast 🎉

[@wegaunoseka]

Zim is a tough place bro. All the best

[@elizabethmunenga4874]

Thank you, this is so informative. Please can you share the company which helped get rid of termites, getting rid of the Queen. I have a similar problem.

[@Queen-qf2bn]

My mum did everything opposite and everything minimal to keep change for herself.

[@GmanXpress]

Also, just ask people around how much it is to build houses or just do business. Coz, you will have a bigger picture of what is going on in the market. It makes life easier for you and you will have info and will not be scammed in the end. I personally research before I commit to anything.

[@ruwaorganic]

Great tip, thanks

[@GmanXpress]

@@ruwaorganic One more thing if someone does a job for you he must give you a written guarantee and warranty. Becoz they're bogus people in Zim and around the world. If anyone refuses then you can't do business with him, you're just safe guarding your money and interests.

[@jones1oo7]

Thank you🤗

[@ashleymargolis1867]

Thank you

[@ruwaorganic]

You're welcome

[@user-wi4zd8up5o]

You could’ve came to South Africa for you material and a good builder, it was going to be very quick and easy.

[@TindoBeanz]

When i hear ur hurdles ,ndinowona kuti pandakapfuura pari nani. Returning to Zim zvinotora ma first second n third attempts.

[@Lina_Simiti]

Omg I feel like crying Nyaya yemugodhi happened to me being diaspora and sending people to do projects for you is insane better kuchengeta mari uyite wega kana wapa ground I could literally write a whole paper what my brother is saying is actually happening to me rn veduwe 😢

[@floet3498]

Ini ndakachengetesa mai vangu mari ye borehole vakabirwa nemuporofita. Imagine working so hard and in a matter of seconds it's gone. Vanhu vari ku Zim vanoona kunge zviri easy kuunganidza mari. They really take advantage of us.

[@Muchero]

me too both borehole and mugodhi ... no water

[@KnordStream49554]

Munda haurimwi negotsi.

[@dmtriyevmarufu521]

Hie Ruwa Organic, may you pliz make a video on health care system in zimbabwe, all available options and prices if possible

[@sitekrafter]

Sure. Let me work on that.

[@BrightSikero]

Very informative, thanx man

[@mikerazerera7161]

the info I needed thanks brother

[@ruwaorganic]

Glad to help

[@GabrielMbamba-ht6hz]

Those are flash doors made by P.G,they are for internal use and the life span is low

[@tadiosbeyene9086]

Thank you for sharing. Your experience is not encouraging us to return to the motherland. I am not a Zimbabuean but I am originally from somewhere in the east side of the continent. The same thing happened to me when I returned to my country of origin for good back in 2005. It is an African problem all in all. I think renting might be much preferable than buying. I hope there will be no termites , no electricity and water outages in areas like Borrowdale and the nearby nice neighborhoods. We will be grateful if you let us know the latest in that area.🙏

[@Her_Self..]

Borrowdale is notorious for water issues, the water table is very low. But some areas are OK and buying water is quite reasonable. Still leafy surbabs and generally quiet. Electricity, solar is the way to go.. whole of harare is struggling

[@tadiosbeyene9086]

@@Her_Self.. Thank you.

[@lalilali3817]

I'm based in Byo I decided to renovate one of my properties. I was scammed badly 40k later and my house looks like shit!!!!!

[@topsyreiter4561]

You have to be careful all pver the world

[@Grace2kb4]

Thanks for the infor

[@specialchild775]

My dear u are right ini imbalance yakad kudonha nemvura mukati

[@sedzesanimathavha9939]

Dzo vhuyesa ngoho

[@ericnjovu8339]

Why did you go for a well instead of a borehole?

[@ruwaorganic]

The stands are too small so boreholes are not allowed.

[@letwinmhlaba4500]

@@ruwaorganicplease can I have the contacts for the well please 🙏🏾

[@RufaroMapungwana-ck6hz]

@@ruwaorganicdo you mind telling me which area this is. It looks so good

[@manganim197]

Big up bro for the updates

[@user-qi7mh2tt8v]

No one is trusted when it comes to money bro

[@munsanjemweene]

Why aren't lawyers pouncing on this opportunity to assist with taking scammers to court? Seems like an excellent opportunity, given how much money is lost to this sort of activity.

[@ruwaorganic]

They lack marketing and advertising expertise. I agree with you.

[@user-if8zd9fc3v]

Sorry pls can you just also give me the name of the company that make those termites to stop for good

[@charlesm5477]

Hi- Who supplied and installed your water tank. What size was it and how much did it cost? Thanks mate.

[@maxwellnansongole8744]

What else have you got for me to scam you, you seem to be easy to be scamed 😂, anyway love your content brother

[@cashmoremudavanhu6126]

Go to the farm

[@lethalintersection]

Was this in Aspindale...?

[@anniebake5564]

Next time,you should pay directly to service providers and ask for receipts on email .

[@ruwaorganic]

I agree, that’s a good point.

[@SaniiMakhalima]

Great content....subscrribed happily 🎉

[@user-ge9me6bs3q]

Mhmm! Wow that’s how they milk their unsuspecting victims and that is allover the world I must confess I saw myself crying with tears rolling from left eye and my right eye open and dry like nothing has happened Eysh💔long story ends and I’m failing to forget😱