Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
THE City of Bulawayo will next month resume servicing Magwegwe West residential stands, with the project expected to be completed by July 2027.
Beneficiaries are required to pay a top-up fee of US$794 per stand to finance the installation of water and sewer infrastructure.
In a statement, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) said it recently held a positive engagement meeting with representatives of the Magwegwe West Residents’ Committee to update them on the outcome of the arbitration process and the way forward regarding the servicing of the area.
“The City of Bulawayo on 23 July 2026 received the arbitration award for the servicing of the Magwegwe West residential stands in favour of the City.
“The resolution of the arbitration case allows for the resumption of the servicing works in the area,” said the council.
The meeting was attended by leaders representing beneficiaries of the Magwegwe West housing project, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart and Acting Town Clerk Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, who is also the Chamber Secretary.
Development of the residential stands had stalled due to an arbitration process arising from the impact of macro-economic challenges on the pre-sell housing project.
“The Magwegwe West housing stands are part of the pre-sell projects which were affected by macro-economic developments, leading to the project stalling and the arbitration process,” said the council.
According to BCC, 172 beneficiaries have fully paid the US$794 top-up fee, while 94 have made partial payments. A further 124 beneficiaries are yet to make any payment.
“The City of Bulawayo will move to the project site on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, with project completion expected by 31 July 2027,” said the council.
The council said beneficiaries would only be allowed to start construction after the installation of water and sewer infrastructure, as well as the completion of gravel roads and stormwater drainage systems.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to encourage beneficiaries with outstanding top-up balances to clear them, as this will ensure that the project is completed within the shortest possible time and allow the construction of their houses,” said the council.
