Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
COWDRAY Park residents in Bulawayo have moved to co-invest in a US$38 million infrastructure upgrade under the Government-backed Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Programme, marking a major shift towards community-driven urban transformation.
The ambitious project, which spans Wards 6 and 15, will deliver critical services including tarred roads, water and sewer reticulation, drainage systems and bridges, while also regularising settlements through the issuance of title deeds.
The programme, launched by President Mnangagwa in April 2023, aims to formalise informal settlements while accelerating infrastructure development through partnerships with private developers.
The initiative is a new model where residents, the Government and private developers jointly fund and implement large-scale infrastructure, a departure from the traditional reliance on local authorities alone.
Two weeks ago, residents received offer letters, paving the way for the formalisation of properties and the rollout of long-awaited services.
Ward 6 councillor Nkosinathi Hove said the project was born out of failed attempts to secure funding from the Bulawayo City Council, prompting residents to seek alternative solutions.
He said council was unable to fund the required infrastructure hence residents engaged central Government.
“The Government then said if we come together, they can approve developers with the capacity to help us. That is how Kwangu was approved to work on sewer and water reticulation infrastructure, tarred roads and bridges,” he said.
Ward 15 councillor Ashton Mhlanga said the scale of the intervention reflects the magnitude of infrastructure deficit in the suburb.
He said the comprehensive development project covers roads, bridges, stormdrains and other infrastructure across the two wards.
Kwangu/Ngakwami chief finance officer Mrs Marceline Chikasha said detailed technical assessments carried out jointly with the City of Bulawayo confirmed that the total cost of upgrading Cowdray Park’s infrastructure is approximately US$38 million.
She said initial engagements with residents had raised concerns over the proposed financing model, prompting further verification.
“When we began engagements with residents, there were concerns about the bond structure and its value. Because of that, engineers went on site together with the City of Bulawayo technical teams to carry out detailed assessments,” said Mrs Chikasha.
“It was through that process that we came up with the estimate cost of US$38 million.”
Under the funding model, each household is expected to contribute about US$3 500, payable over 10 years with no interest charged.
Mrs Chikasha said the package also includes a mandatory life assurance component of US$2 per month to protect families from inheriting debt in the event of a contributor’s death.
She said should a beneficiary pass on, the life cover ensures dependents are not burdened with outstanding payments.
Mrs Chikasha said implementation is expected to begin within two months once residents complete acceptance processes and start making contributions.
“Once residents sign up and start contributing, development will begin to take shape on the ground,” she said. Mrs Chikasha said earth-moving equipment is expected on site by the end of the month to kick-start initial works.
Cowdray Park legislator Cde Arthur Mujeyi described the programme as a turning point in addressing long-standing service delivery challenges in the suburb.
“This initiative is not just about infrastructure, it is about restoring dignity through secure tenure and creating a platform for economic empowerment,” he said.
Cde Mujeyi urged residents to embrace the programme despite concerns over previous payments made towards similar initiatives.
“This is a community-driven programme that speaks directly to the challenges faced by residents. It goes beyond infrastructure upgrading; it also provides security of tenure and lays a foundation for economic empowerment,” said Cde Mujeyi.
The project will also prioritise flood-prone areas, with improved drainage systems expected to mitigate damage during heavy rains.
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Residents largely welcomed the development.
Ms Thandeka Ndlovu said the project had renewed optimism in the community after years of delayed development.
“For a long time, we have been waiting for proper development. This initiative gives us hope for good roads, proper sewer systems and a reliable water supply,” she said.
Mr Nkosilathi Dube said the introduction of title deeds will significantly change residents’ lives by providing legal security over their properties.
“This is about improving living standards. We appreciate efforts being made to transform Cowdray Park into a properly serviced suburb,” he said.
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