HARARE - “Small houses” might not be that small after all and should have been counted separately in the just-ended population census, at least according to President Robert Mugabe.

The term “small house” is a term used to refer to second wives or girlfriends who are happy to play the number two woman.

Presenting a lecture at the Research and Intellectual Expo opening in Harare on Wednesday, Mugabe  bemoaned the dearth of moral values among urbanites, whose loose morals he said were contributing to the high HIV prevalence rate.

“Here in towns we have the so-called small houses. I do not know whether they are that small. Perhaps during the census they should have asked (people) whether you are a small house or not... you would not have obtained the truth I am sure,” said the 88-year-old, drawing laughter from the gallery.

Mugabe urged Zimbabweans to be of good character and frown at societal ills by embracing Christianity.

Population Service International (PSI) refers to “small houses” as a multiple concurrence rRelationship (MCPs) which overlap in time.

According to PSI, small houses have been identified as a potentially powerful driver of HIV transmission in Zimbabwe.