Friday 11 July 2025
Sithembinkosi L. Jiyane
Business Reporter
Bulawayo – The Bulawayo City Council’s Town Planning Department held a crucial ward meeting on Sunday, 6 July 2025, at Vulindlela Primary School in Cowdray Park’s Mpompini area. The gathering brought together residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to discuss pressing developmental challenges in Ward 6.
The meeting saw the participation of Councilor N. Hove, Cowdray Park MP Arthur Mujeyi, representatives from the Bulawayo Residents Association (BURA), and the Bulawayo United Public Transport Association (BUPTA). The engagement provided residents with a platform to voice their concerns and expectations regarding local development initiatives.
Discussions covered multiple sectors, including:
- Water and Sanitation: Residents proposed constructing a dedicated reservoir in Cowdray Park to address water shortages.
“The Magwegwe reservoir is now too small for our growing population of 70,000,” one resident noted.
- Health and Education: Concerns were raised over the lack of council clinics, overcrowded schools, and the absence of vocational training centers.
- Public Transport: Residents criticized unreliable transport services, with kombis often ignoring designated routes.
- Employment and Vending: Calls were made for allocated vending spaces with proper infrastructure.
- Environmental Concerns: Issues such as donkey disturbances, sand poaching, and poor waste management were highlighted.
MP Arthur Mujeyi acknowledged the area’s turbulent development history, stating:
“Cowdray Park was initially under council jurisdiction before the government took over for the Garikai and Murambatswina projects. Unfortunately, these projects lacked essential infrastructure like roads and sewers. When the government handed the area back to the council, no compensation was provided, delaying critical developments.”
He emphasized the importance of resident consultations, saying:
“The council must follow proper procedures and incorporate community feedback into its plans. Had the government compensated the council earlier, we might have seen better infrastructure by now.”
A major point of discussion was the lack of affordable residential stands for young people.
“The youth cannot afford stands—some cost up to $11,000 for 200m². Many are forced to live with their parents in overcrowded homes,” Mujeyi revealed.
“We urge authorities to prioritize affordable housing solutions for young families.”
Council officials assured residents that their concerns would be compiled into a formal report and presented to the council for action. The meeting aligns with Bulawayo’s broader efforts to implement Local Development Plans following the approval of the City Master Plan in April 2024.
While frustrations were evident, residents expressed cautious optimism that their feedback would lead to tangible improvements in services and infrastructure.
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