News / National
Bulawayo City Council revives shop repossession policy
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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has reignited a 17-year-old resolution mandating the repossession of council-leased shops whose tenants have exceeded a 10-year tenure. Originally passed on December 5, 2007, the resolution aims to ensure equitable access to commercial spaces but faced resistance from business groups, delaying its enforcement.
Recent discussions by the council's finance and economic development committee have led to the reaffirmation of this resolution. The matter was revisited during a September meeting of the sub-committee on the allocation of stands and premises for development. While some proposed introducing a new policy to cap lease periods, the council decided the 2007 framework was sufficient.
Sub-committee chairperson, Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, sought clarity on implementing evictions under the resolution. Mr. Thabani Ncube, the council's valuer and estates manager, recommended a case-by-case approach, suggesting ethical considerations for tenants with long-term leases.
"Council would rather wait for the lapse of the policy and advise the applicants accordingly. A written notice would serve as a reminder of the policy when lease renewals are requested," Mr. Ncube explained.
The council resolved to proceed with enforcing the resolution while ensuring fairness in its application.
In parallel, the BCC has issued a tender inviting bids for a range of business premises across the city. These include opportunities for tuck shops, kiosks, industrial stands, service stations, factory shells, social clubs, and a primary school site.
Highlights of Available Properties:
Tuck Shops: Six locations at primary schools in Nkulumane, Emganwini, and Aisleby Farm.
Kiosks: Two sites at Barbourfields Stadium and Borrow Swimming Pool.
Service Stations: One in Barham Green.
Industrial Stands: Nine stands in Emakhandeni, Luveve, and Cowdray Park for businesses like hair salons, grinding mills, and welding.
Factory Shells: Six units in Kelvin North for carpentry, tailoring, pottery, and electrical repairs.
Shops and Clubs: Leased shops in Makokoba and Njube, and two social clubs in North End.
Additionally, a primary school site in Montrose is open for development.
The initiative provides residents with opportunities to contribute to Bulawayo's economic growth while addressing longstanding concerns over the fair distribution of council-leased properties. By revisiting its policies and offering new leases, the BCC seeks to foster community development and create an inclusive commercial environment.
Recent discussions by the council's finance and economic development committee have led to the reaffirmation of this resolution. The matter was revisited during a September meeting of the sub-committee on the allocation of stands and premises for development. While some proposed introducing a new policy to cap lease periods, the council decided the 2007 framework was sufficient.
Sub-committee chairperson, Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, sought clarity on implementing evictions under the resolution. Mr. Thabani Ncube, the council's valuer and estates manager, recommended a case-by-case approach, suggesting ethical considerations for tenants with long-term leases.
"Council would rather wait for the lapse of the policy and advise the applicants accordingly. A written notice would serve as a reminder of the policy when lease renewals are requested," Mr. Ncube explained.
The council resolved to proceed with enforcing the resolution while ensuring fairness in its application.
In parallel, the BCC has issued a tender inviting bids for a range of business premises across the city. These include opportunities for tuck shops, kiosks, industrial stands, service stations, factory shells, social clubs, and a primary school site.
Highlights of Available Properties:
Kiosks: Two sites at Barbourfields Stadium and Borrow Swimming Pool.
Service Stations: One in Barham Green.
Industrial Stands: Nine stands in Emakhandeni, Luveve, and Cowdray Park for businesses like hair salons, grinding mills, and welding.
Factory Shells: Six units in Kelvin North for carpentry, tailoring, pottery, and electrical repairs.
Shops and Clubs: Leased shops in Makokoba and Njube, and two social clubs in North End.
Additionally, a primary school site in Montrose is open for development.
The initiative provides residents with opportunities to contribute to Bulawayo's economic growth while addressing longstanding concerns over the fair distribution of council-leased properties. By revisiting its policies and offering new leases, the BCC seeks to foster community development and create an inclusive commercial environment.
Source - The Chronicle
