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He reiterated that no home seeker would lose a stand simply because they had failed to raise the deposit.
“This three-day ultimatum for a down payment is a definite no for the city. We want to make sure that residents are not disadvantaged. The report that I have asked for should be on my desk by tomorrow and from there, we shall sit down with other councillors and map the way forward,” said Clr Moyo.
On Tuesday, council’s senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said council changed to the new deposit system in October last year.
She said housing stands from four suburbs had already been sold under the new system.
Mrs Mpofu said the stands were being sold under a self-financing system for their servicing.
She said contractors used to swindle home seekers by taking their money and then failing to develop or service stands, hence council’s decision to take up servicing.
In recent years, the council has come under pressure from residents over failure to provide housing stands against a ballooning housing waiting list estimated to be more than 100 000.
Two months ago, the council announced that it was going to avail 3 743 stands.
Under the facility, beneficiaries contribute towards the full servicing of the stands by paying in advance to council for each specific project.
The housing projects cover Pumula South, Emganwini, Mahatshula, Luveve 5, Magwegwe North and Emhlangeni.
Bulawayo Governor and Resident Minister Cain Mathema has repeatedly called on the council to improve provision of housing by giving people stands to build houses for themselves.
The council on the other hand contends that it does not have the capacity to provide bulk infrastructure because of inadequate finances.
derick.khumalo