Bulawayo targets 50 000 jobs through new industrial development plan

THE City of Bulawayo could generate approximately 50 000 jobs and unlock about 1 242,5 hectares of industrial land through the full implementation of its proposed Local Development Plan Number 8 (LDP 8), a move expected to significantly boost the city’s re-industrialisation drive, the local authority has said.

LDP 8 provided a statutory policy framework for the management, redevelopment, and orderly growth of the City of Bulawayo’s industrial areas over a 15 to 20-year period.

According to the latest council report on Town Lands and Planning committee, Director of Town Planning, Mr Wisdom Siziba said the operative LDP 8 was currently under review to ensure that it aligned with prevailing economic and industrial trends, with the preparation of the study report and written statement now complete.

He noted that the completion of these processes paved the way for submission for adoption and eventual public exhibition of the plan.

“The plan was prepared in terms of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, and functions as the primary instrument for development control across the city’s industrial zones,” he said.
Council said the LDP preparation process reflected the City’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.

“Council said the LDP preparation process reflected the City’s commitment to transparent, inclusive planning and ensures that all stakeholders including residents, business owners, investors, and community organisations had a meaningful opportunity to engage with the plan’s proposals before it became operative.”

According to council, the plan addressed six designated industrial zones covering service, light, light/service, general, ware housing/storage, and special industry.

It established integrated strategies for land use zoning, transportation, infrastructure servicing, environmental management, and development control, positioning Bulawayo for sustainable industrial growth.

“If fully implemented, the strategy was 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 were accessible to Bulawayo’s industrial workforce and the broader community.”

The town planning department is currently spearheading the preparation of local development and subject plans aimed at fulfilling the broader vision of the city’s Master Plan.

The Report of the Study for LDP 8 has already been prepared and presented to management, policymakers, and external stakeholders.

On January 20, 2026, the Written Statement was presented to policymakers, before being shared with external stakeholders on February 13, 2026.

“The final stages of consultation were placing the plan on public exhibition for two months to allow for written submissions to be given by all interested stakeholders. Thereafter once all comments had been addressed it was sent for gazetting.”

Council said the plan seeks to study and analyse existing land uses, public utilities, traffic conditions and transport systems, while also investigating the potential for developing vacant land within the built-up area.

It also aims to formulate proposals that optimise the use of limited urban land and revive commercial activity through the creation of transit corridors and the upgrading of existing commercial centres.

Further, the plan is designed to protect and rationalise industrial land, unlock under-utilised sites for productive use, and guide critical infrastructure upgrades including roads, water, sewer, and power.

Authorities said the blueprint would also ensure compatibility between industrial, residential, institutional and commercial land uses while managing environmental impacts.

In addition, LDP 8 seeks to support the growth of small to medium enterprises and emerging industries through appropriate zoning and infrastructure provision.

It also aims to protect key transport corridors and facilitate the efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods through rail, road and air, strengthening Bulawayo’s position as an industrial hub.

Industrialists have welcomed the move, saying unlocking idle industrial land is critical for reviving Bulawayo’s manufacturing base and attracting fresh investment.

Mr Farai Dube, an industrialist with interests in mining and manufacturing said vast tracts of under-utilised land had become a drag on the city’s economic potential.

“Bulawayo has significant idle industrial land which, if properly serviced and made available under a clear policy framework, can attract both domestic and foreign investors. Unlocking this land is key to restoring the city’s status as the country’s industrial hub,” he said.

“Investors are always looking for clarity in terms of zoning, infrastructure and regulatory processes. LDP 8 provides that certainty and creates an enabling environment for companies to set up operations and expand,” he added.

He noted that the initiative dovetailed with broader efforts to re-industrialise the region.
“Re-industrialisation cannot happen without land and infrastructure. By unlocking idle industrial space and aligning it with infrastructure development, the city is laying a solid foundation for sustainable industrial growth and job creation,” he said.