Chitungwiza, city in northeastern Zimbabwe in Mashonaland East Province. Chitungwiza is a newer residential suburb of the capital city of Harare, which lies 25 km (15 mi) to the north. It was established in 1975 to accommodate some of the rapidly growing migrant population of Harare. Small preexisting urban settlements at Saint Marys, Seki (now Seke), and Zengeza, dating from the 1950s through 1970s, were incorporated into the new city. A small industrial park and retail shops account for most local employment. Chitungwiza grew rapidly as a result of the war of independence, drought, and the removal of restrictions on mobility after independence in 1980. Transportation is a major problem, as most residents of this working-class community commute to jobs in Harare. The supply of housing, tightly controlled by the government, falls far short of demand, resulting in the severe overcrowding of many homes and construction of illegal backyard dwellings. Although it has its own city council, established in 1978, Chitungwiza is functionally a part of greater Harare. There is a single-town plan to govern the future development of these two cities. Population (1992) 274,912.
