Vusumuzi Dube
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
THE City of Bulawayo has issued a tender notice inviting bids to lease different business premises throughout the city.
The premises include tuck shops, kiosks, local authority sites, petrol filling stations, service industry stands, factory shells, leased shops, social clubs, and a primary school site.
The latest call for expressions of interest follows a successful initiative conducted between 2021 and 2022, which garnered significant interest from members of the public.
In an advertisement published in the local media, the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, announced that the tenders are open to individuals and organisations who are registered ratepayers in Bulawayo.
“Bonafide residents of Bulawayo with interest in developing the city are encouraged to bid. Please note that the tenders will be opened in public at the closing time — 10am on 30 December 2024. Tender forms are available at Office 909, 9th Floor Tower
Block upon payment of a non-refundable tender form fee of USS$34,50 including VAT. The bid rental/purchase price offered for the premises or stand shall be stated in United States Dollars only.
“The premises are offered as is, ‘voetstoots’, council reserves the right to accept/reject any tender and the highest offer will not necessarily be accepted. Each tendered premise/stand must have its own tender form accompanied with a non-refundable tender fee of USS$34,50 including VAT, failure to adhere to instructions may lead to disqualification,” reads the notice.
Mr Dube revealed that no tender forms will be accepted after closing time and date, while any queries relating to the tenders shall be referred to the local authority’s Acting Principal Estates Officer.
“Tender forms in sealed envelopes and clearly labelled ‘Tender for lease: tuckshop/ kiosk/local authority site/petrol filling station/service industry stand/factory shell/leased shop/social club/primary school site’ shall be addressed to the Town Clerk, P O Box 591, Bulawayo to reach his office not later than 10am on Monday, 30 December 2024. If delivered by hand, tenders must be deposited in the tender box, Room 126 Municipal Buildings, City Hall by 10am on 30 December 2024,” reads the notice.
According to the list that has been availed by the local authority, the tenders include those for six tuck shops located at Mgombane Primary, Sigombe Primary, Mtshane Primary (all in Nkulumane), Emganwini Primary, Manondwane Primary (in Nketa 7) and Aisleby Primary School at Aiselby Farm.
There are also two kiosks located at the Borrow Swimming Pool and Barbourfields Stadium. Also included are two local authority sites that can be used for establishing a clinic, training centre or pre-school, these are located in Luveve and Emganwini.
Also included in the list is a filling station Barham Green and nine service industry stands that can be used to establish a hair salon, grinding mill, carpentry, gas retail, firewood retailing, welding, hardware or tyre mending facilities, located in Emakhandeni, Luveve and Cowdray Park.
Six Kelvin North-located factory shells that can be used for electrical appliance repairs, key cutting, shoe repairs, tailoring and dressmaking, carpet cleaners, leather crafts, bicycle repairs, welding, pottery, plumbing or carpentry, have also been advertised.
The local authority has also called for tenders for six leased shops in Makokoba and Njube, two social clubs in North End (one for amateur sports and social activities and the other for basketball), and a primary school site in Montrose.
Online Reporter