Residents of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo continue to grapple with limited access to vocational training, with only a handful of privately run centres available, many of which remain out of reach for unemployed youths.
The shortage of affordable skills training opportunities has raised concern among community members, who say it is worsening unemployment and limiting youth empowerment in one of the city’s largest high-density suburbs.
Cowdray Park legislator, Arthur Mujeyi, said government is taking steps to address the gap, revealing that two vocational training centres are expected to be established by next year.
“We have had successful engagements with the Ministry of Youth and Vocational Training, and we are expecting two vocational training centres to be set up by next year in Ward 6 and Ward 15,” he said.
Mujeyi, however, stressed that poor infrastructure remains a major barrier to development in the area. He noted that the state of the road network continues to slow down progress on key projects.
Ward 15 Councillor, Ashton Mhlanga, concurred, saying inadequate roads are at the centre of stalled development in the constituency.
“Without proper roads, it becomes difficult to implement meaningful development, including the construction of key facilities,” he said.
Residents in Wards 6 and 15 described their area as largely unserviced, citing a lack of roads, sewer systems, and drainage infrastructure, as well as the absence of essential public amenities such as community halls and youth centres.
“There are no proper facilities for young people to gather or learn. Even accessing existing services is a challenge due to poor roads,” said one resident.
Despite these challenges, hopes have been raised by the anticipated Presidential title deeds programme, which is expected to bring improvements in road construction, sewer systems, and drainage infrastructure. Community members believe this will pave the way for broader development.
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) Cowdray Park Youth Secretary Prince Moyo said the lack of vocational training centres and social infrastructure is hindering youth participation in governance and leadership.
“Young people are being left out because there are no proper spaces or opportunities for them to develop skills and engage in community issues,” the youth representative said.