RESIDENTS of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo have raised concern over council’s decision to allocate housing stands on wetlands, accusing officials of prioritising revenue over safety.
A resident, who spoke to Southern Eye on condition of anonymity, criticised the move, specifically pointing to stands pegged behind Athens business centre.
“Engineers should come down from their offices to this place. Are they saying people should stay in wetlands?” a resident said.
Another resident expressed disappointment that the local authority is permitting construction on land prone to flooding, noting that “the situation becomes worse during the rainy season”.
“We just want them to come down and see for themselves.”
In response, mayor David Coltart said he was unaware of the specific situation, but stated that the local authority’s policy prohibits construction on wetlands.
“It’s the first time I’m hearing of this,” he said.
“Our policy strictly goes against people constructing houses on wetlands.”
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He advised residents to engage their ward councillor to address the issue or seek a meeting with him if necessary.
“All in all, it’s not allowed to build houses on wetlands,” the mayor added.
The development comes amid growing calls for council to conduct environmental impact assessments before pegging residential stands, as construction on wetlands poses risks of flooding and structural damage to homes.
