Mnangagwa's govt abandons Makokoba redevelopment project

The government's ambitious plan to modernise Makokoba, Bulawayo's oldest suburb, has effectively been abandoned seven years after it was first announced, leaving residents frustrated and disillusioned.

In 2018, authorities unveiled a US$139,24 million urban renewal programme targeting Makokoba in Bulawayo and Mbare in Harare. The initiative aimed to overhaul crumbling infrastructure, transform the suburbs into vibrant urban hubs, and position them as cultural and tourism centres.

Makokoba, rich in history as the city's first township, was earmarked for a US$21 million facelift, with the Bulawayo City Council expected to contribute US$5,5 million and the remainder coming from central government and private partners. Early works, including surveys, master planning and designs, were reportedly completed the same year.

Officials at the time envisioned high-rise residential blocks and tourism facilities modelled on Soweto in South Africa. But after years of delays, the project appears to have ground to a halt. By 2023, the council cancelled a key tender for consultancy services to drive the Makokoba Local Subject Plan, citing "administrative and technical issues."

With no framework in place, the project has stalled indefinitely.

Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) chairperson Winos Dube said residents had been left in the dark.

"These are some of the developments that we think about with a lot of concern," he said. "If something has been announced, it is our hope that all studies would have been carried out before making it public. As residents, we looked forward to this development, but we are seeing no results on the ground."

Dube argued that both the city council and central government had abandoned the project. "It would look like both sides folded their hands. This had potential to honour our city and generate revenue, but failure to kickstart it leaves us questioning whether we have the right people making the right plans."

Makokoba, once a vibrant centre of political and cultural life, continues to suffer from chronic sewer bursts, poor sanitation, overcrowding and dilapidated housing.

Former Bulawayo deputy mayor, Mlandu Ncube, blamed the stalled project on the country's fragile economy, which has scared away investors.

"The project was on course, but development should be attached to investment. When people fund, they expect returns, and with an unstable economy, no one wants to commit," he said.

Bulawayo mayor David Coltart referred inquiries to council spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu, who did not respond to requests for comment.

Residents, however, say the silence speaks volumes. "Makokoba is significant to Bulawayo and the nation. We can only keep our fingers crossed that authorities revisit their commitments," said Dube.