Bulawayo councillors have raised concerns over the proliferation of illegal structures in residential areas and the shortage of affordable housing stands, calling for tighter regulation and measures to address the city’s growing accommodation needs.
The concerns were raised during a recent full council meeting, according to minutes of the proceedings.
Councillor Perseverance Nyathi warned that makeshift structures, many of which were being used as salons and shops, posed safety risks to residents, particularly because of potential fire hazards.
She urged the local authority to provide decent vending facilities for informal traders while ensuring that business structures complied with council regulations.
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“These shacks are mainly used as saloons and shops. Although this was supporting the informal sector, there is a need to have a standard. These illegal shacks are a threat to residents and pose various fire dangers in the City,” Nyathi said.
Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo urged residents to stop constructing unauthorised structures, warning that the council was preparing operations to remove illegal structures across the city.
He said informal traders should register with the local authority and operate from designated vending sites.
“Residents wishing to conduct vending activities should register with Council and be allocated vending bays. All structures should be approved by Council,” he said.
The debate also highlighted concerns over access to affordable housing, with Ward 26 Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo questioning the city’s reliance on private land developers.
He said most available residential stands were being offered by private developers at prices beyond the reach of many residents.
“Engaging private land developers is not a noble idea. It is imperative that Council expand the availability of housing stands in order to meet growing demands. Local subject plan number 6 sought to deliver more residential stands. Currently the Central Government is building affordable houses for the Elderly,” Moyo said.
He urged the council to increase the supply of affordable residential stands to meet growing demand.
However, Ward 22 Councillor Mmeli Moyo defended the involvement of private developers, saying they were essential to addressing the city’s housing challenges.
He said the council lacked the financial capacity to service residential stands on its own and needed to work with private investors through public-private partnerships.
“I encourage Councillors to attend workshops. Land Developers are part of the PPPs encouraged by the Central Government. Currently the Council has no capacity to service residential stands,” he said.
Cllr M Moyo also called for more housing opportunities for young people and encouraged fellow councillors to attend workshops to better understand the role of private developers in housing delivery.
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