Online Reporter
Online Reporter
BULAWAYO Ward 26 Councillor and Finance and Development Committee chairperson, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, says the extension of councillors’ tenure under the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) would provide continuity for major infrastructure and development projects that are currently underway in the city.
In a personal opinion on the constitutional amendments, Cllr Moyo said continuity in local authority leadership was critical for the successful implementation of long-term projects, particularly those requiring sustained oversight from conception to completion.
He said the City of Bulawayo had embarked on an ambitious development agenda following President Mnangagwa’s November 2023 call for local authorities to adhere to minimum service delivery standards.
According to Cllr Moyo, Bulawayo became the first local authority to submit its master plan to Government as directed through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
He said one of the first major decisions taken by the current council after the 2023 harmonised elections was to approve the expansion of the city’s central business district (CBD), allowing commercial development into parts of Suburbs, Khumalo, Famona and surrounding areas.
“The Bulawayo CBD has traditionally started from Lobengula Street to Parirenyatwa Street, which confined activities within a small area. The decision to expand the CBD has allowed commercial activities to take place in surrounding areas,” he said.
Cllr Moyo said the policy had already resulted in the establishment of new restaurants, hotels, lodges and office developments, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
He cited developments such as Mozambik Restaurant, Ten on Brook Hotel, Spurs in Hillside and the Nando’s drive-through outlet in Woodlands as examples of private sector investment attracted through the city’s planning reforms.
He also welcomed the transformation of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair into the Zimbabwe Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), saying the development was positioning Bulawayo as a modern conference and tourism destination.
“Inside the new arena there is now Bounce City Bulawayo where families can enjoy indoor games, while a hotel and a modern conference centre are under construction,” he said.
Cllr Moyo said Government’s emphasis on beautification and minimum service delivery standards had also seen the restoration of the historic City Hall fountain after years of disuse.
He said more investment was expected along George Avenue, while local subject plans would unlock further development across the city.
Among the projects he highlighted was the gazetted 68-hectare Ascot Local Subject Plan No. 20, which he said was now awaiting implementation by the local authority.
“It will be prudent to see those who passionately pushed for Ascot Local Subject Plan No. 20 following through with its implementation under the extended tenure,” he said.
Cllr Moyo also referred to a proposed water infrastructure rehabilitation project valued at close to US$1 billion, saying projects of that magnitude required institutional memory and continuity in leadership.
“We have seen new office bearers coming into office wanting to start afresh on everything. As Bulawayo, we are in dire need of water and we cannot afford to keep starting new ideas that never see the light of day,” he said.
He argued that extending the tenure of councillors would enable elected officials to supervise major projects from planning through to implementation, thereby ensuring greater accountability and continuity in service delivery.
Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 puts in place several constitutional changes, including provisions affecting the tenure of elected officials. The Bill has generated public debate, with supporters arguing it would provide policy continuity, while critics have raised concerns over its broader constitutional implications.
Bongani Ndlovu
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi