Magwegwe West housing project to resume after Bulawayo wins arbitration

THE long-delayed Magwegwe West housing project will resume next month after the City of Bulawayo won an arbitration case that had stalled servicing of the residential development, bringing renewed hope to hundreds of home seekers.

The project, which has faced years of delays due to macroeconomic challenges and a legal dispute, is now set to move forward following the city's successful conclusion of the arbitration process.

Bulawayo City Council said it received the arbitration award on July 23, clearing the way for servicing works to recommence.

The development was announced after Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart and Acting Town Clerk Sikhangele Zhou met representatives of the Magwegwe West residents' committee on Monday.

According to the local authority, the residential stands form part of its pre-sell housing projects, which were disrupted by economic instability before becoming the subject of arbitration.

"The resolution of the arbitration case allows for the resumption of the servicing works in the area," the city said.

Council said contractors are expected to return to the site on September 1, with servicing works scheduled for completion by July 31, 2027.

The local authority urged beneficiaries to continue paying the required US$794 top-up fee, which will fund the installation of water and sewer infrastructure.

According to the city, 172 beneficiaries have fully paid the top-up amount, 94 have made partial payments, while 124 are yet to make any payments.

Council encouraged beneficiaries with outstanding balances to settle their accounts to facilitate the timely completion of the project.

Those who have fully paid are now eligible to receive agreements of sale and begin processing building plans.

Once the installation of water and sewer infrastructure is complete, roads have been upgraded to gravel standard and storm-water drainage systems constructed, serviced stands will be handed over to beneficiaries, enabling them to begin building their homes after fulfilling the remaining administrative requirements.

The resumption of the Magwegwe West project is expected to provide long-awaited relief to prospective homeowners who have spent years waiting for the development to progress.