The long-delayed Magwegwe West residential stands project is set to resume after the City of Bulawayo won an arbitration case that had stalled servicing works, with construction expected to restart in September.
This development comes after dozens of Magwegwe West home seekers began erecting makeshift structures on unserviced residential stands last year, frustrated by nearly a decade of delays by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) in providing basic infrastructure.
Residents, who bought the stands in 2016, were accusing the council of neglect and broken promises over repeated delays.
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The latest update followed a meeting held on Monday between the City of Bulawayo and representatives of the Magwegwe West Residents’ Committee, where council officials briefed beneficiaries on the outcome of the arbitration process and outlined the way forward for the project.
Bulawayo Town Clerk, Christopher Dube, said the city received the arbitration award on 23 July 2026 in its favour, effectively clearing the way for servicing works to resume.
Leading the city’s delegation was Mayor Senator David Coltart, accompanied by Chamber Secretary, Sikhangele Zhou.
During the meeting, officials explained the development of the residential stands had been delayed by the court arbitration process.
The town clerk said the Magwegwe West housing scheme is one of the pre-sell housing projects that was adversely affected by macro-economic challenges, resulting in the suspension of works and the subsequent arbitration proceedings.
“The City of Bulawayo on 23 July 2026 received the arbitration award for the servicing of the Magwegwe West residential stands in favour of the City. The resolution of the arbitration case allows for the resumption of the servicing works in the area,” said Dube in a statement.
He said during the meeting, it was agreed that beneficiaries would continue paying a US$794 top-up fee to finance the installation of water and sewer infrastructure.
“Residents are encouraged to pay the top-up where 172 beneficiaries have fully paid, 124 have not made any payments with 94 having partially paid,” said Dube.
The local authority announced that contractors are expected to move onto the site on 1 September 2026, with completion of servicing works targeted for 31 July 2027.
Dube also said beneficiaries who have fully settled their payments can now proceed with obtaining agreements of sale and submitting building plans.
“Fully paid-up residents have access to agreements of sale and the processing of building plans,” said the town clerk.
Once essential infrastructure has been completed, beneficiaries will be allowed to begin constructing their homes.
“When habitable (provision of water and sewer and provision of roads to gravel standard with storm drainage), the stands be handed over for the beneficiaries to start construction following all other due processes,” Dube said.
The local authority urged beneficiaries with outstanding balances to settle them promptly to avoid further delays.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to encourage the stands beneficiaries with outstanding top-up balances to clear them as this will ensure that the project is completed within the shortest period possible to allow for the construction of their houses,” Dube said.
The Magwegwe West project has been one of Bulawayo’s long-standing housing developments affected by economic instability and legal disputes, leaving hundreds of beneficiaries waiting years for their serviced residential stands.
With the arbitration now concluded, BCC said it is confident the project could finally move towards completion.
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