Bulawayo parks fall into disrepair

The deterioration of Bulawayo's once-thriving public parks and recreational facilities has raised alarm among residents, highlighting deeper infrastructure challenges affecting the city.

Spaces that once served as vibrant community hubs—such as parks in Nketa and Mpopoma, along with Centenary Park in the city centre—have become dry, underutilised and, in some cases, unsafe. Centenary Park's iconic fountain, once a defining feature, has remained non-functional for years, symbolising the broader decline of recreational amenities. Efforts are, however, underway to rehabilitate the fountain outside the city's Town Hall.

Residents say the changes have eroded community life. "Back in the early 1990s, these parks were beautifully maintained. We used to gather for events like the Christmas lights in Nketa. It was something everyone looked forward to. Now that sense of community is gone," said Thandiwe Ncube.

Others warn that the neglect is contributing to social challenges. "Swimming pools and youth centres used to keep young people busy. Now many just loiter with nothing to do. Council needs to act," said Never Sigogo.

A recent assessment indicates that some of the neglected spaces have become hotspots for criminal and anti-social activities, including drug use and prostitution, discouraging families from using them.

City officials attribute the decline largely to infrastructure and resource constraints. Bulawayo relies on reclaimed water from the Thorngrove sewage treatment plant to irrigate parks, but the facility has reportedly been non-functional for some time. Ageing pipelines have further compounded the problem, leaving green spaces without sufficient water.

The impact extends beyond parks to key facilities such as Barbourfields Stadium, which also depends on the same irrigation system.

Authorities say steps are being taken to gradually restore the city's greenery, including replacing ageing street trees with species such as jacaranda, African mahogany and pine grown in municipal nurseries. However, residents argue that these measures fall short of what is needed.

Calls are growing for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that addresses water infrastructure, restores recreational facilities and revives community programmes to bring life back to public spaces.

Urban planning experts stress that well-maintained public spaces are essential for social cohesion, mental well-being and crime prevention, making their revival critical to the city's recovery.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart recently met with Pamela Tremont to explore investment opportunities and tackle infrastructure bottlenecks that continue to hinder the city's economic revival.