BULAWAYO councillors have raised concern over the slow pace of land developers servicing residential stands in the city, arguing that the local authority should act to assist beneficiaries who are failing to start building their houses.
The issue came to light during a full council meeting when councillor Felix Madzana noted that progress in servicing stands in Magwegwe and Pumula South was at 2%.
According to council minutes, beneficiaries of the Magwegwe stands were asked to pay top-ups in 2023.
Madzana explained that the stands were sold under a pre-sale scheme, but changes in monetary policy created challenges in the collection and use of funds.
“The amounts paid in local currency for servicing were eroded by inflation,” he said.
“I call on council to engage central government.
“These beneficiaries should be assisted.”
Mayor David Coltart confirmed that several beneficiaries approached his office seeking a lasting solution.
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“Their plea was of great concern,” Coltart said.
“The major challenge was the previous changes in monetary policy.
“A detailed report will be submitted accordingly to provide information for decision-making.”
Other councillors added that servicing stands required huge capital outlays which council did not have.
They noted that engaging central government was a prudent path, adding that residential stands in the city were very expensive and a strategy was needed to avail affordable stands.
Meanwhile, councillor Khalazani Ndlovu praised council for its public transport policy, but said it required better enforcement before it could be fully implemented.
Ndlovu, however, expressed concern over the poor implementation of the policy, saying enforcement was very weak.
She emphasised that this has exposed commuting residents to unruly commuter omnibus crews, who create artificial crises to justify fare increases, especially during peak hours.
“This negatively affects commuting residents, who end up paying US$2 per one-way trip to areas like Cowdray Park and Pumula South,” Ndlovu said.
She also pointed out numerous illegal ranks and pick-up points across the city, including one opposite City Hall and another next to Tredgold.
