‘We want our City Hall benches back’

Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Reporter
Have you ever felt tired or perhaps in need of a convenient resting space in the city centre of Bulawayo to wind down the clock, refresh or wait for your significant other?

The likely response would be in the affirmative. A random survey might reveal that eight in ten residents have once used the facility.

One of the most convenient, nostalgic, and popular outdoor spaces is the City Hall precinct – those benches dotted under the trees.

Well-manicured lawns surrounded the benches, a once convenient meeting point of choice for hordes of Bulawayo residents, visitors, young and old. In the years gone by, pigeons made the area their home and an attraction to many who frequented the area.

Sadly, the zone has been closed since the advent of Covid-19 pandemic almost three years ago.
There is no notice at the gates leading to the benches explaining the closure.
An online initiative has been launched by residents calling on the city fathers to reopen the space for the general public’s convenience.

One resident, Jahalezansi Brian Sibanda, has started a petition under hashtags #letUsSit #Sihlaliseni #tigarisei. He feels the reopening is long overdue. Reads the petition that is gaining traction among residents.

“The Bulawayo City Hall public sitting area opposite the clock tower has been closed since the outbreak of Covid-19. Covid-19 lockdowns have since been eased and yet the public sitting area continues to be closed to members of the public – the rate payers of this city who actually pay their hard-earned money to have it maintained.

“As a result of this closure, desperate residents have resorted to sitting on the City Hall perimeter fence subjecting themselves to all sorts of discomfort and danger,” wrote Sibanda.

Sibanda added that communication with the city authorities has proven that there is no real reason behind the closure of this serene public space.

“If Covid-19 was the concern then the city fathers wouldn’t be hiring out the indoor small and large city halls weekly to hundreds of people without any social distancing protocols.

“Many have described it as the only place they can peacefully and comfortably sit at in the CBD. Others have stressed that it is a vital place for residents to rest up, meet and interact with one other.

“These concerns among many others show beyond any reasonable doubt whatsoever that the reopening of that space is long overdue and as a concerned resident of the great city I have taken it upon myself to mobilise like-minded individuals to sign this petition and make our voices heard.”

He ends by saying: “If no action is taken by the city authorities to address the needs of residents then other means of communication will be used.”

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association Secretary for Administration Thembelani Dube said it is baffling that the space has remained closed when virtually all buildings have been reopened to the public.

“We are aware that the city council has Covid-19 protocols that saw many spaces being closed. Now that the pandemic has receded and virtually all buildings and spaces reopened, the same should happen to that space,” he said.

“It brought great convergence to many people in the city and visitors. Many would attest that it’s a safe, secure meeting area. It brought many memories as people met and reminisced about their school days.

“So we appeal to the council to re-align their Covid-19 protocols and reopen the space,” said Dube. A Bulawayo resident Nothando Hadebe said the space brings people together, provide an opportunity for social connection.

“Yes, I want that space reopened since people used to find it very convenient to relax while waiting for someone or when tired.
“It is beneficial for health as they can provide resting places for those with limited mobility to walk around the elderly included.

They also provide places to sit for people who want to meet in large groups for example teenagers after school or church members.

“I once met a makeup artist who had no business premises and she actually did my makeup there,” said Hadebe. The petition has attracted a sizable number of reactions online.

“It’s time they open it up. There is absolutely no excuse for keeping that area closed to the taxpayers,” Tatenda Mutandi commented.

Brian Dube asked: “What’s the reason for it being a public premise if the public can’t have access to it, while they’re the ones who pay for its maintenance?”

Ashton Dube added his voice saying: “The community of Bulawayo needs this space there is little space in the city for people to sit and relax whereas this could help.”

It remains to be seen whether the city fathers will bring back our benches soon or they will keep the space shut.