Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is targeting the creation of at least 50 000 jobs through the unlocking of 1 242,5 hectares of industrial land under the revised Local Development Plan 8 (LDP 8), which seeks to drive re-industrialisation and economic growth.
The ambitious plan is contained in the latest council report, which also recommends the adoption of Local Development Plan 14 (LDP 14), covering the city’s south-eastern areas and setting out a 15-year framework for urban development.
According to the report, LDP 8 provides a 15 to 20-year statutory framework for the management, redevelopment and orderly expansion of Bulawayo’s industrial areas.
“If fully implemented, the strategy is projected to unlock approximately 1 242,5 hectares of industrial land, generate around 50 000 employment opportunities and ensure that essential commercial, recreational and transport facilities are accessible to Bulawayo’s industrial workforce and the broader community,” reads the report.
The plan covers six industrial zones which are: service, light, light and service, general, warehousing and storage and special industry.
Council says LDP 8 seeks to protect and rationalise industrial land while unlocking under-utilised sites for productive use.
It also proposes infrastructure upgrades covering roads, water, sewer and electricity as part of efforts to support economic re-industrialisation.
The plan further seeks to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises and emerging industries through appropriate zoning and infrastructure.
According to the report, Council also wants to ensure compatibility between industrial, residential, institutional and commercial land uses.
“Protect transport corridors and facilitate effective and efficient movement of materials and goods through rail, roads and air,” is among the strategies outlined under the plan.
LDP 8 also seeks to revive commercial activity through the creation of transit corridors and the upgrading of existing commercial centres into higher-order centres.
The Report of Study and Written Statement for LDP 8 were adopted by Council on April 1 this year and subsequently placed on public exhibition from May 8 to June 19.
Interested individuals and organisations were given a further period up to July 3 to submit objections or representations to the Town Clerk.
The report states that no adverse comments were received during the public exhibition period.
Council has therefore recommended that the final draft of LDP 8 be adopted and gazetted in terms of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
Meanwhile, Council is also moving to adopt LDP 14, which will guide development in the south-eastern parts of the city over the next 15 years.
The plan covers Waterford, Mqabuko Heights, Fortunes Gate, Granite Park, Whitecairns, Ntaba, Intini, Burnside, Willsgrove, Manningdale, Lochview, Riverside, Matsheumhlope, Munda, Hillside,
Whitestone, part of Douglasdale, Fourwinds, part of Southdale and Sunninghill.
According to the Director of Town Planning’s report, LDP 14 is intended to provide an overall framework for development while promoting sustainable, balanced and inclusive urban growth.
The plan seeks to address land use, public utilities, traffic conditions, public transport and development controls within the study area.
Among its major proposals is the development of a hospital, stadium, polytechnic or skills hub, truck inn and office parks.
Council also plans to upgrade and expand existing shopping centres while creating commercial corridors along major transportation routes.
The plan proposes densification as a way of curbing urban sprawl and promoting compact urban development.
A high-quality road network linking the south-eastern areas to the Central Business District, industrial areas and other strategic nodes is also proposed.
The plan further seeks to provide and protect open spaces, including sports fields, playgrounds, parks and green corridors.
Environmental protection is also a key component of LDP 14, particularly because the study area borders the Tshabalala game sanctuary.
The Town Planning Department said the plan had been well received, with recommendations and comments made during the planning process incorporated into the documents.
The plan will now be placed on public exhibition in accordance with the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, allowing for further public participation before it becomes operative.
The two development plans are part of council’s broader efforts to update its planning framework and align future development with the city’s Master Plan while creating conditions for investment, job creation, infrastructure development and improved service delivery.
