The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has resolved to engage the central government to help address long-standing challenges affecting the servicing of residential stands in Magwegwe and Pumula South, amid growing frustration from beneficiaries.
The decision follows concerns raised in council over the slow pace of development, with servicing of the stands reportedly at just two percent.
Last year, dozens of frustrated Magwegwe West home seekers began erecting makeshift structures on unserviced residential stands after nearly 10 years of waiting for BCC to complete basic infrastructure.
The residents, who bought the stands in January 2016, accused the local authority of dishonesty and neglect, saying repeated assurances about progress and arbitration processes have yielded nothing while their lives “fall apart”.
In the recent Council minutes under the report of the Environmental Management and Engineering Service Committee, Ward 18 Councillor Felix Madzana told council that beneficiaries of the Magwegwe stands, which were sold under a pre-sale scheme, had been required to pay top-up fees since 2023.
However, he noted that changes in monetary policies had significantly disrupted the process.
Madzana said the slow progress in the servicing of Magwegwe and Pumula South was at two percent.
“Stands beneficiaries had been asked to pay top ups since 2023. The stands were sold under the pre-sale scheme. Changes in monetary policies brought challenges in the collection and use of money. The amount paid for servicing in local currency was eroded by high inflation,” Madzana said.
The councillor called on the Council to engage the Central Government.
“These beneficiaries should be assisted.”
Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart, buttressed saying his office had received numerous complaints from beneficiaries seeking a lasting solution
“ Their plea was of great concern. The major challenge was the previous changes in the monetary policies,” he said.
Coltart said a detailed report would be submitted accordingly to provide information for decision making.
Ward 22 Councillor, Mmeli Moyo, echoed the need for government intervention, noting that the servicing of residential stands required significant capital investment, which council currently lacks.
“Engaging the Central Government was more prudent. Residential stands in the City were very expensive,” he said.
Moyo said a strategy was required to produce affordable stands in the City.
Last year, Parliament also rejected a petition from residents of Magwegwe West who were seeking intervention, ruling that the matter falls outside the legislature’s constitutional mandate.