BCC in ambitious 2034 housing plan

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has revealed an ambitious plan to construct 500,000 housing units by 2034 as part of a broader 15-year master plan aimed at addressing the city's severe housing backlog.

The initiative comes in response to the city's current housing deficit, which has ballooned from 25,356 units in 1998 to 140,150 today. With over 140,000 people waiting for homes, the plan aims to tackle this growing need by constructing 448,500 dwelling units over the next decade to meet the demands of 90% of Bulawayo's households.

BCC's housing master plan underscores the urgency of addressing the backlog, as the demand for housing has pushed stand prices beyond the reach of many. Despite efforts from private developers, only 5,045 stands were allocated for residential development over the past decade, highlighting a shortfall in meeting the city's growing housing needs.

Key Targets of the Master Plan

According to the council, there is a significant shortfall of 177,400 homes, as the city currently only has 135,000 units available. The proposed development seeks to increase the city's housing stock to 448,500 by 2034. However, the council has acknowledged the major hurdles it faces, particularly affordability and construction capacity. With the majority of Bulawayo's population unable to afford homes, and limited construction resources, the likelihood of overcrowding remaining a problem in the city appears high.

"The demand for housing in Bulawayo is overwhelming, and it will be difficult to meet it fully given the affordability issues and the construction capacity," the council stated in its master plan. "The task ahead is a formidable one, but we remain committed to making Bulawayo a better city for all."

Expansion Plans to Accommodate Housing Needs

In an effort to meet these goals, the council plans to expand the city's boundaries by incorporating land from surrounding rural districts, including Umzingwane, Umguza, Matobo, and Tsholotsho. Areas such as Ntabazinduna, Esigodini, Nyamandlovu, Solusi, and Insukamini could be incorporated into Bulawayo's urban planning.

The expansion, slated for next year, will be in line with Presidential Proclamation 15E of 2004, which allows metropolitan areas to extend up to a 40-kilometre radius. Mrs. Nesisa Mpofu, BCC's corporate communications manager, explained that this expansion will require voluntary applications from property owners and approval from the rural district councils currently overseeing the areas.

With the proposed expansion, the city intends to provide proper planning and essential services to these areas, which have faced challenges with infrastructure and social amenities, such as water and sewer systems. For example, suburbs like Mbundane and Emthunzini, located on the city's outskirts, have been denied services due to jurisdictional issues. The expansion aims to resolve these problems and alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure.

Call for Innovative Solutions

Despite the grand plans, the council faces significant financial and logistical challenges. Bulawayo Residents Association (Bura) chairperson, Mr. Winos Dube, urged the council to explore creative solutions to overcome the economic constraints it faces. "BCC must think outside the box and leverage partnerships with private developers," Dube said. "Through agreements with private developers, the council could mandate them to allocate a percentage of serviced stands under council conditions, ensuring affordability for residents."

As Bulawayo strives to meet its housing needs, the city council has emphasized the importance of planning for long-term sustainable development. The proposed master plan, which includes extensive consultations with stakeholders, aims to transform Bulawayo into a functional, attractive urban center befitting its status as Zimbabwe's second-largest city.