admin
“We have also availed 480 stands at Emhlangeni medium-density suburb under the phase two programme. We also have a programme of building flats in Entumbane and Emganwini but the problem is inadequate funding as flats are relatively expensive to construct. We have also sold some land to a private developer in Emganwini to provide stands to home seekers.
“Some of the stands have been taken while some are still available. Beneficiaries need to have a valid waiting list form to apply for the stands. Our backlog is around 98 000 and it is increasing because the provision of housing remains low compared to demand. We still need more land to cater for housing.”
Mr Magagula said council was unable to meet its mandate in the provision of houses because of the constrained budget.
He, however, said the local authority has laid down plans that are ready for implementation should funds permit.
Mr Magagula said a large portion of the 3 743 stands that council availed early this year under the pre-sale scheme in suburbs such as Pumula South, Emganwini, Mahatshula and Emhlangeni have been taken.
“We had 700 stands in Magwegwe North, 500×300 square metre stands in Luveve 5, some in Emganwini, Pumula South, Emhlangeni and Mahatshula and they have been taken,” he said.
Under the scheme, applicants who were on the council housing waiting list were required to pay a deposit of 35 percent and 51 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) of purchase price of the stand with the rest payable over a period of 18 months.
Under this facility beneficiaries contribute towards the full servicing of the stands by paying in advance to council for each specific project.
Medium density stands in Emhlangeni and Mahatshula suburbs cost $8 280 while those in Emganwini high-density suburb cost $3 231. Those in Pumula South were pegged at $3 704.
During the meeting the stakeholders challenged council to improve provision of housing in order to reduce accommodation shortages and curb exploitation of lodgers by landlords.
The participants said a majority of the economically active population did not own houses.
They said the situation was a recipe for disaster in the future and urged council to come up with concrete measures to reduce the housing backlog.
Some even suggested that council adopts the provision of prefabricated houses.
The proposal was immediately turned down by the Town Clerk, Mr Middleton Nyoni, who said the move would lead to development of slums.
Bulawayo United Residents Association’s secretary-general Mr Samuel Moyo sought clarification on progress in the transfer of houses in Iminyela, Mabutweni and Makokoba into home ownership.
Mr Magagula said the process was still going on.
He said it was difficult for council to provide housing to all given the numerous tasks it has to deal with.
The city council has come under fire for failing to provide sufficient housing.
In the past the local authority engaged private developers to provide housing but a majority of them were accused of shoddy service.
Online Reporter