Developers exploit BCC's tender flaws

Local developers have accused Bulawayo City Council of creating barriers to investment, citing inefficiencies in the city's tendering processes that allow unscrupulous actors to hoard land without initiating development.

Investors claim that during the bidding stage, some developers overstate their capacity to advance projects, only to leave awarded plots idle. This practice, they argue, sidelines capable developers, who are then forced to seek opportunities in other towns offering faster approvals and better conditions.

An investigation found that over the past five years, the council advertised only two major tenders for land alienation: one in 2021, awarded in 2022, and another in December 2024, which is yet to be concluded. These tenders included commercial stands for fuel stations, schools, and recreational facilities, though most opportunities were limited to tuckshops, small shops, and factory shells in residential areas.

Inspection of sites awarded in 2022 revealed a lack of development three years on. For instance, a filling station near Nkulumane Shopping Mall awarded to Genstorm Supplies Private Limited, owned by Mr Amkela Nyoni, has yet to see any construction. Similarly, a creche site at Romney Park, awarded to Similo Siziba, remains undeveloped.

In response, the council's corporate communications manager, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, acknowledged that some sites are still pending development but noted that most commercial bays in areas like Emganwini, Nketa 7, Entumbane, Lobengula West, and Old Pumula have been completed. She said developers are given up to five years to finish their projects, meaning many 2022 awardees still have time to comply.

Mrs Mpofu added that properties allocated prior to 2022 and failing to meet development conditions are targeted for repossession following due process. Regarding delays in adjudicating the December 2024 tender, she cited resource shortages, noting that dedicated personnel and proper data capture conditions are necessary for the process. She said the adjudication is complete at management level and pending council approval, with finalisation expected in the first week of December 2025.

Despite these assurances, developers remain frustrated. Mr Tapiwa Nyazika, a local property developer, argued that the high failure rate among awarded tenders suggests many applicants use the system to hoard land without capacity to deliver. He expressed concern that larger, more impactful business opportunities are being sidelined in favour of small-scale projects, leaving Bulawayo lagging behind other cities in line with Vision 2030 goals.

Another businessperson, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that several potential investors have either abandoned plans in Bulawayo or relocated to smaller towns that actively support development. Projects such as recreational facilities and sports academies have been stalled by bureaucratic delays, discouraging investment in the city.

"Someone has to ask the town planning department what they have achieved since being established as a standalone department," the businessman said, highlighting growing frustration within Bulawayo's investment community.

As Bulawayo continues to grapple with these challenges, developers warn that persistent inefficiencies and land hoarding risk stalling the city's economic growth and undermining investor confidence.