Hundreds of Bulawayo residents are living in fear of losing their homes after floods destroyed homes built on wetland areas in suburbs such as Cowdray Park, Luveve, and Nkulumane back in 2021.
The ongoing crisis has sparked anger and concern among residents, who say poor planning and weak monitoring by authorities have left them exposed to danger.
The residents’ plight emerged during the Matabeleland Water Indaba organised by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) in the city on Thursday, . The meeting brought together community members, city officials, and environmental activists to discuss the effects of poor land management and the need for better water planning in the city.
In response, Bulawayo Mayor, Senator David Coltart, represented by Councillor Aleck Ndlovu, said the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) was aware of the problem and was taking steps to address it.
He specifically noted that many of the affected houses in Cowdray Park were constructed without council approval.
“These homes were constructed on land that was not meant for housing. We are aware that many families are affected, but as a council, we must ensure that people do not build on wetlands or areas that put lives at risk. The matter is being handled carefully, and we are working to find the best way forward,” said Ndlovu.
Back in 2021, nearly 500 houses in Bulawayo were marked for possible relocation after it was discovered they were built on wetlands.
Reports showed that Cowdray Park was the most affected, with 429 houses. Other areas included Luveve Five with 15 houses and five stands, Newton West and Sauerstown with four houses each, and Nkulumane with eight.
However, residents say BCC has not yet responded to their concerns about the situation.
One resident, Sphatisiwe Sibanda said the crisis was caused by poor planning and weak enforcement of by-laws.
“People have lost their homes because of mistakes that could have been avoided. Some residents were sold stands in these wetland areas, not knowing they were not safe for housing. Now they are the ones paying the price,” said Sibanda.
Another resident, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, said the floods previously had caused great suffering for families in Cowdray Park.
“Imagine building your dream home and then watching it collapse because it was in a wetland. We plead with the city council to help us find safe land and to stop this from happening again. Now, as the rainy season begins, residents living in these areas are filled with fear and uncertainty,” Ndlovu said.
“Many are worried that the floods which once destroyed their homes could return and cause even more damage. Some families still live in the same houses that were affected before, with no proper solution provided by the authorities,”
Isaac Gatsheni said the situation highlighted the urgent need to protect wetlands and improve city planning before more families are affected.
He stated wetlands play a very important role in the environment, but many people do not understand their value until disaster strikes.
“Wetlands are natural water filters and protect us from floods. They store water during the rainy season and release it slowly, which helps prevent flooding and droughts. Once they are destroyed, we all suffer. It is not just about the people living on the wetlands, it affects the whole city because water no longer flows properly,” said Gatsheni.
Residents and civic groups urged BCC to communicate clearly with affected homeowners and provide lasting solutions.
They said better cooperation between the government, council and communities was key to preventing similar disasters in the future.