Bulawayo sees surge in approved building plans

The Bulawayo City Council has approved building plans valued at over US$3.5 million as of December 2024, reflecting a slight 0.65% increase from November. These developments were detailed in the council's latest minutes on the Building Control section's monthly statistics report.

According to the report, the housing and community services department processed a total of 242 building plans in December alone. Of these, 156 building plans, valued at US$3,529,699, were approved, while 86 were referred back for corrections. Meanwhile, 186 building plans worth US$3,674,900 were submitted during the same period, marking a 3.63% decrease compared to the previous month.

The council raised approximately US$36,749 from plan submission fees. As per council model by-laws, construction cannot commence without approved plans and necessary inspections by the environmental and engineering department. Additionally, no new buildings should be occupied without a certificate of occupation issued by the local authority.

A total of 1,587 inspections were conducted in December, resulting in 52 buildings receiving occupation certificates. Additionally, eight dilapidated buildings were identified, and 36 public buildings were assessed. From these inspections and other Building Control activities, the council generated US$9,583.

The report highlighted concerns over the growing number of dilapidated buildings in Bulawayo, with eight properties requiring refurbishment to prevent demolition. The housing and community services department is seeking effective methods to enforce compliance on these buildings. Challenges such as staffing shortages - where only two officers are responsible for the entire central business district - and inadequate transport have hindered enforcement efforts.

Town Clerk Christopher Dube expressed concern over the rising number of neglected buildings, noting that only 20% of property owners complied with regulations. He stressed the need to revisit existing policies and enforce the law against non-compliant property owners.

Bulawayo has witnessed a rise in abandoned and derelict buildings, signaling increasing urban decay. In 2017, three people narrowly escaped death when a building housing a Simbisa Brands restaurant, Nando's, collapsed along Jason Moyo Street. Additionally, a 2020 council fire inspection exposed the vulnerability of key government buildings, including Mhlahlandlela Government Complex, Zimpost, the Registrar-General's office, and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, to potential fire hazards.

As the city grapples with these challenges, the council continues its efforts to enhance compliance, improve urban infrastructure, and mitigate the risks posed by neglected buildings.