News / Local
Bulawayo to evict illegal tenants from Burombo Flats
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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced plans to evict illegal tenants from Burombo Flats in Mzilikazi, citing escalating crime and deteriorating living conditions at the council-owned housing estate.
The flats have been without electricity since September 2023, creating an unsafe environment that has contributed to increased criminal activity. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and sewer overflows from the nearby Thorngrove facility have further heightened health and safety concerns.
"We have received reports of rape cases, theft, and other criminal activities happening at Burombo Flats. The place has become unsafe, and the council cannot allow this to continue. I have given permission to our housing officials to start evacuating all people who are not rightful tenants," said Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu.
Ndlovu added that some residents are overcrowding rooms, while others illegally sub-let for profit.
"We have people staying 15 in one room, some living in storerooms meant for wheelbarrows, and others renting out rooms illegally. This is unacceptable, and as council, we have to restore order at Burombo," he said.
Housing officer Mpumelelo Matwasa said the verification and eviction process will take up to three months.
"People will be called individually to confirm who is a legal tenant and who is not. After that process, we will remove those who are not supposed to be there," he explained.
Residents say life at the flats has become unbearable.
"Every day we hear of people being robbed. Girls are no longer safe because of rapists hiding in the corridors. There is no electricity, so criminals take advantage of the darkness. Life at Burombo has become dangerous," said resident Jairos Maropa.
Councillor Melisa Mabeza previously warned that the buildings were no longer fit for human habitation, calling for the flats to be closed and rehabilitated. The BCC says it will work closely with law enforcement during the eviction exercise to maintain safety and order.
The flats have been without electricity since September 2023, creating an unsafe environment that has contributed to increased criminal activity. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and sewer overflows from the nearby Thorngrove facility have further heightened health and safety concerns.
"We have received reports of rape cases, theft, and other criminal activities happening at Burombo Flats. The place has become unsafe, and the council cannot allow this to continue. I have given permission to our housing officials to start evacuating all people who are not rightful tenants," said Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu.
Ndlovu added that some residents are overcrowding rooms, while others illegally sub-let for profit.
"We have people staying 15 in one room, some living in storerooms meant for wheelbarrows, and others renting out rooms illegally. This is unacceptable, and as council, we have to restore order at Burombo," he said.
Housing officer Mpumelelo Matwasa said the verification and eviction process will take up to three months.
"People will be called individually to confirm who is a legal tenant and who is not. After that process, we will remove those who are not supposed to be there," he explained.
Residents say life at the flats has become unbearable.
"Every day we hear of people being robbed. Girls are no longer safe because of rapists hiding in the corridors. There is no electricity, so criminals take advantage of the darkness. Life at Burombo has become dangerous," said resident Jairos Maropa.
Councillor Melisa Mabeza previously warned that the buildings were no longer fit for human habitation, calling for the flats to be closed and rehabilitated. The BCC says it will work closely with law enforcement during the eviction exercise to maintain safety and order.
Source - Cite
