Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
SCORES of Bulawayo home seekers face growing uncertainty after housing projects expected to deliver more than 1 500 residential stands stalled due to funding shortages, contractual disputes and escalating infrastructure servicing costs.
The delays have dealt a significant setback to efforts to address the city’s persistent housing backlog, with seven Bulawayo City Council (BCC) contracts now classified as non-performing and several major housing developments effectively at a standstill.
The affected projects include 288 high-density stands in Magwegwe Extension, 390 in Magwegwe West, 365 in Emganwini and 502 medium-density stands in Emhlangeni Phase II.
The combined total of 1 545 stands would have substantially increased Bulawayo’s housing stock at a time when thousands of residents remain on the municipal housing waiting list.
The stalled developments have also heightened concern among beneficiaries who have already paid significant sums towards the purchase of stands but are still waiting for fully serviced properties.
According to the latest Bulawayo City Council report, the local authority had 89 active contracts at various stages of implementation at the beginning of June.
Of these, 56 were progressing according to schedule, while 21 had fallen behind programme. Seven contracts, however, were classified as non-performing.
Projects identified as stalled or non-performing include the rehabilitation of the Deep Section tunnel sewer, servicing of residential stands in Magwegwe Extension, Emhlangeni Phase II,
Emganwini, Magwegwe West, Woodville and Paddonhurst, as well as the refurbishment of Beit Hall.
The housing developments have been hampered by a combination of funding constraints, disputes between council and contractors, and rising costs associated with construction materials and infrastructure provision.
Some of the projects have also entered arbitration following disagreements between the local authority and contractors.
The Magwegwe West housing project and the Deep Section tunnel sewer rehabilitation are under arbitration after prolonged contractual disputes.
The refurbishment of Beit Hall has also stalled following disagreements over price variation claims, resulting in the contractor abandoning the site. Council is pursuing formal takeover procedures before work on the project can resume.
For the Magwegwe Extension, Emhlangeni Phase II, Woodville and Paddonhurst developments, beneficiaries have been asked to pay additional top-up fees to cover increased servicing costs.
Council said procurement of materials would commence once sufficient funds had been raised.
Bulawayo mayor Councillor David Coltart said the delays were particularly worrying given the financial sacrifices already made by beneficiaries.
“These delays are deeply concerning because many beneficiaries have invested their life savings in these housing schemes and have waited for years to receive their stands. Council appreciates the frustration being experienced by residents,” he said.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that these developments are completed and handed over as soon as possible.”
Clr Coltart said changing economic conditions had significantly affected the viability of projects that were initiated several years ago.
“The reality is that the economic environment has changed substantially since some of these projects were initiated. The cost of servicing land and providing infrastructure has increased dramatically, creating funding gaps that must be addressed if we are to successfully complete these developments,” he said.
Town clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the local authority was pursuing a number of financing options to revive the stalled projects.
“We are actively exploring various financing mechanisms, including seeking borrowing powers amounting to US$13 million, which will assist in completing outstanding housing projects and providing the critical off-site infrastructure required for these developments,” he said.
Mr Dube said council would continue addressing contractual disputes through the appropriate legal processes while seeking practical ways to get projects back on site.
“Council remains committed to resolving contractual disputes through the appropriate legal channels while simultaneously pursuing practical solutions that will allow work to resume,” he said.
Mr Dube said the council’s priority remained ensuring that beneficiaries ultimately received serviced stands as the city continues to grow.
The latest setbacks come against the backdrop of a severe housing shortage in Bulawayo, driven by population growth, urbanisation and a limited supply of serviced land.
Many residents have remained on the council’s housing waiting list for years, while some housing projects have reportedly taken more than a decade to reach completion.
Councillors have previously expressed concern over stalled developments, particularly in Magwegwe and Magwegwe West, where beneficiaries have endured lengthy waits for their stands.
Urban planning expert Dr Nicholas Muleya warned that prolonged delays in servicing residential land could have far-reaching implications for the city.
He said a continued shortage of serviced land could force desperate home seekers to seek alternative accommodation in informal settlements.
“The stalled projects represent more than delayed construction schedules. They have a direct bearing on Bulawayo’s ability to expand its formal housing stock, manage urban growth and provide residents with secure and serviced places to live,” said Dr Muleya.
