adminTHE city’s oldest suburb, Makokoba, is set for rehabilitation and expansion, with the Bulawayo City Council noting that this was meant to create a densified residential area that supports and complements the activities of the central business district.
Over the years, infrastructure in the suburb has experienced a sharp decline in standards with reports that in some circumstances two or more families are sharing a single room.
However, in the latest developments, the local authority has announced an ambitious plan to redevelop the suburb in what they have termed the Makokoba Local Priority Plan.
According to the plan, all the existing available land within the current municipal area will be used prior to developing new land outside the existing boundaries.
“Town planning wants to prioritise the Makokoba suburb for a local plan with intentions for densification and accommodating more people.
“According to the 2012 Census Report Bulawayo has a population of 655 675. The city has 167 092 households and an average of 3,9 people per household, the population growth for Bulawayo 2002-2012 is negative 0,3. Ward Seven which is Makokoba has a population of 17 910 and has 4 802 households which has an average of 3,7 people per household,” reads part of a council report.
The expansion exercise is also aimed at establishing an area which accommodates certain types of income generating activities that is not obtrusive to the predominant residential zoning.
The local authority also aims to reduce negative environmental impacts such as excessive noise, air pollution, vibrations and vehicular intrusions; regulate traffic movement and reduce traffic conflict and to provide a strategic planning environment that will meet future needs and challenges for a responsive and sustainable Makokoba redevelopment.
“The proximity of Makokoba to the CBD has some inherent advantages for the local population such as minimal transport costs and access to high order services. However, the age and condition of infrastructure has limited its contribution to the fiscal wealth of the city.
“A variety of funding options are to be explored including partnerships and Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangements with both local and foreign developers, redevelopment and densification are the key to the project. It should also be noted that the aspect of shared infrastructure is critical in the proposal,” reads the council report.
Contacted for comment, Ward Seven Councillor James Sithole said this was a long overdue move by the local authority noting that in the past it seemed pleas by people from Makokoba for the local authority to resolve the shared accommodation issue were landing on deaf ears.
“Everyone knows that it is only in Makokoba where we have close to three families sharing a single room hence I feel the latest move should be commended and was long overdue.
“What will happen now is that not only will the suburb get a facelift but council will now utilise the available space to expand the suburb mainly upwards which will be through the construction of more flats in the suburb,” said Clr Sithole.
The councillor said the exercise would also see the oldest suburb being redeveloped to modern day standards considering its proximity to the CBD.
“Makokoba is not only the oldest suburb but it is the closest to the city centre, even when tourists visit Bulawayo they are told of Makokoba, which is the first suburb they want to visit, however its current infrastructural status has been more of an eyesore.
“This plan will, however, also encompass the current houses and other key infrastructure which include the two national monuments; Stanley Hall and Stanley Square,” he said.
According to the plan the local authority was in the process of marketing the redevelopment to investors and engaging developers interested in the project.
Historically, Makokoba was the first black African township in the city, it has been termed the home of arts and culture, with the Amakhosi Cultural Centre located just in the vicinity.
The suburb was named after the actions of Mr Fallon, the then native commissioner, who used to walk around with a stick. The name comes from the word “ukukhokhoba” which in the local Ndebele language means “bending and walking with a stick’’.
Mr Fallon was referred to as “the little old man who walks with a stick”.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo