BCC orders closure of unsafe buildings

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued evacuation orders for three buildings in the central business district (CBD) after inspections revealed that the premises were being used in ways that do not meet safety standards.

Council officials noted that an unregulated change of use has become widespread in the city, with several older buildings being partitioned and repurposed without adherence to safety regulations. The move comes amid a surge in fire incidents across the CBD, including recent blazes at the popular Fairy Café along Robert Mugabe Way, which caused US$1 million in property losses and left 55 employees jobless, and a smaller fire at Slice Pizzeria on Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street that was contained before spreading.

BCC Corporate Communications Manager, Nesisa Mpofu, confirmed that inspections revealed serious safety risks, including lack of firefighting equipment, poor housekeeping, faulty electrical installations, unauthorised changes of use, and inadequate emergency preparedness plans.

"Yes, the city has issued evacuation orders to three buildings that are not suitable for certain services and do not meet the required safety standards," Mrs Mpofu said, declining to name the buildings. She highlighted a disturbing trend where basements are being converted into shops, restaurants, or lettable units despite lacking proper ventilation, fire escapes, and structural suitability for commercial or residential occupancy.

The city conducts at least annual inspections of public buildings for fire safety compliance, checking fire extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, emergency exits, signage, assembly points, lighting, electrical faults, and overall emergency preparedness. Additional inspections are carried out upon request.

Mrs Mpofu said that current fire safety regulations in Bulawayo include the Model Building By-laws 1977, Bulawayo Fire Brigade By-laws, and Bulawayo Roads and Streets By-laws. While these legal instruments are not easily amended, the Fire Brigade By-laws have been revised to reflect modern developments and are awaiting approval. The revised regulations will introduce stricter penalties for non-compliance, aiming to enhance safety standards in the city.

"The Fire and Ambulance Service issues penalties to properties handling hazardous materials such as fuel and gas and advises building owners to rectify identified issues. With the revised by-laws, we anticipate improved compliance and fire safety across the CBD," she said.

The council's actions underscore growing concern over fire safety in Bulawayo's city centre, particularly in older structures repurposed without proper approvals or safety upgrades.