Councillors in Bulawayo have called for the immediate digitalisation of the city’s housing waiting list, citing outdated records, administrative inefficiencies and exclusion of vulnerable residents from access to residential stands.
The matter was raised during a full council meeting on 2 July, where Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Rendani Moyo questioned the integrity of data being used in council reports.
“Some housing waiting list forms were issued and stamped once, years ago. Applicants have either passed away or relocated, but their names remain on the list,” said Moyo.
He proposed the development of a central digital database to improve transparency and ensure applicants receive timely updates on the availability of housing stands. He also called for the establishment of an information desk to serve Zimbabweans living abroad who wish to invest in housing.
Ward 11 Councillor Susan Sithole added that the current system disadvantages low-income residents, who are still required to pay annual renewal fees of US$11.50.
“Residents with no income will never afford homes under this policy. Council must stop charging the annual fees and instead develop schemes to assist the most vulnerable,” she said.
However, some councillors warned against removing the fees, arguing it could hurt council revenues.
Ward 9 Councillor Royini Sekete said doing away with the fees could lead to losses of over US$2 million, given the large number of applicants currently on the list.
“The money collected is essential for sustaining housing operations,” he said.
Deputy Committee Chairperson Sikhululekile Moyo described the housing delivery process as “sensitive” and proposed a dedicated workshop for councillors to review housing policy and service delivery gaps.
Meanwhile, Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo questioned the city’s heavy reliance on private developers, suggesting that Bulawayo City Council (BCC) could carry out the work itself to reduce the cost of stands for residents.
Council officials responded by saying housing allocations were in line with the city’s 2021 Housing Policy, which allows private developers to retain 90% of serviced stands, with 10% going to council.
Assistant Director of Housing and Community Services Sehile Ndlovu defended the current model, noting that all beneficiaries of recent stand allocations in areas such as Mahatshula and Emhlangeni had been verified against the housing list following complaints.
She also stated that data from the waiting list remained essential for city planning and was being used in accordance with guidelines from central government.
Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou said more than 10 000 residential stands were ready for allocation by private developers, but affordability remained a barrier for many residents.
Despite council assurances, several councillors maintained that the system needed urgent reform to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
“Without a digital and transparent process, we cannot guarantee equity in land allocation,” said Councillor Moyo.
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