Bulawayo’s 270 condemned buildings

More than 270 dilapidated buildings across Bulawayo have been identified as potential safety hazards, exposing residents, businesses and pedestrians to the risk of structural collapse as many property owners continue to ignore council directives to carry out repairs.

A report by the Bulawayo City Council's Housing and Community Services Department shows that despite repeated inspections and repair notices, compliance remains extremely low, raising concerns over worsening urban decay and public safety.

According to the report presented to the council's Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee, officials revisited 14 condemned or deteriorating properties during May but found that none of the owners had made meaningful progress in complying with repair orders.

"Fourteen properties were again revisited in May and no changes were recorded regarding compliance to our repair instructions," the report said.

The local authority said it is currently monitoring 270 buildings requiring urgent attention because of structural defects, ageing infrastructure and severe deterioration.

Of these, 187 property owners have not taken any action to comply with council directives.

Only 77 buildings have shown partial compliance, while repair works are actively underway at just six properties.

The figures underscore the growing challenge facing Bulawayo as ageing buildings continue to deteriorate, increasing the risk of injuries, fatalities and property damage.

Structural defects such as cracked walls, weakened foundations, damaged roofs and unstable facades pose a particular danger during periods of heavy rainfall or strong winds, when buildings may partially or completely collapse without warning.

The report also highlights concerns over the effectiveness of the city's enforcement mechanisms.

Although the council continues issuing repair orders and conducting inspections, the limited response from property owners suggests existing enforcement measures have not achieved the desired level of compliance.

The issue comes at a time when Bulawayo is confronting a range of urban management challenges, including illegal construction, environmental violations and ageing municipal infrastructure.

During May, the council's Building Control Section carried out 1,119 site inspections, generating more than US$10,379 in revenue from inspections and related activities.

Authorities also reported continued incidents of illegal construction across several suburbs, including Cowdray Park, Pumula South, Entumbane and Nkulumane.

The council said enforcement officers have been compelled to issue fines, serve notices and confiscate construction equipment from individuals undertaking building projects without approved plans.

With hundreds of unsafe buildings still standing across the city, the report warns that Bulawayo faces an increasing public safety challenge unless owners undertake the necessary repairs and authorities strengthen enforcement of building maintenance regulations.