Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Faith Ndlovu, Chronicle Writers
AFTER years of neglect that resulted in parts of the city’s iconic parks — Central and Centenary Parks — turning into an eyesore, the City of Bulawayo has expedited plans to rehabilitate the recreational facilities having appointed a committee to manage and monitor a redevelopment project of the two places.
Since time immemorial the two iconic parks, sandwiched by Suburbs and the central business district (CBD) have been some of the city’s most famous landscapes.
Central and Centenary Parks are separated by the Bulawayo-Gwanda Road when approaching the city centre.
The recreational parks, which were once the epicentre of entertainment and relaxation in Bulawayo with scenic views and lush green lawns for residents to unwind during the day are now an eyesore.
Centenary Park is synonymous with its water fountain, an ever-present feature in the city’s landscape that used to be a favourite with newlyweds who captured pictures and videos of their blissful memories there.
On the other hand, college students from the nearby Bulawayo Polytechnic and the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) used to meet at the recreational parks to study in groups while residents could be found taking strolls or relaxing on the lawns.
There is minimal activity at the two parks now. To give a new lease of life to the two iconic parks, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has appointed a seven-member committee to manage and monitor the redevelopment project at the Central and Centenary Parks.
According to the latest council report, the committee will be chaired by Mr Jonathan Jere who will be deputised by Mr Shepherd Ndlovu while Mr Emmanuel Sibanda will serve as the secretary of the committee, with Ms Laura Nyathi coming in as the vice secretary.
Mr Nkosana Mazibisa will serve as the treasurer while Mr Martin Msere and Mrs Thobekile Moyo are the committee members.
According to the terms of reference of the committee, they are expected to engage stakeholders to form a forum that will complement the running and redevelopment of Central and Centenary Parks.
The committee was formulated independent of the local authority to avoid bureaucracy and other organisational challenges that might hinder its progress. The council has said pursuant to a meeting that was held on November 14 2014, 18 organisations expressed interest in partnering the local authority in resuscitating the two parks.
“The terms of reference of the committee are to fundraise for the resuscitation of the Central and Centenary Parks and to complement council in planting and maintenance of trees, bushes, lawns and flowers.
“The committee will complement council in the implementation of the approved Central and Centenary Parks redevelopment plans and also assist in the provision of an aesthetic, tranquil, safe and ambient environment for relaxation,” said council.
The committee will hold quarterly meetings while council has pledged to source contributions from companies and organisations for the resuscitation of the two recreational parks. On its part, the local authority’s Department of Parks and Recreational Services will provide tools and plants to be used for the project.
Mrs Elina Mhlanga, a resident of Tshabalala suburb said Centenary Park used to be the pride of the city in its heyday before council abandoned the recreational facility and allowed its decadence.
“In the western areas, all the parks are now overgrown with grass after they were abandoned by council many years ago. Centenary Park cannot be allowed to decay and we hope council will spruce it up so that we can enjoy going there for photos like we used to do in the past,” said Mrs Mhlanga.
