Zimbabwe News Update
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2 min read
Plans to reshape parts of bulawayo through new local development plans 12 and 18 have sparked public debate, with residents and property experts warning that poor roads, uncertain funding, and the risk of property value loss could undermine the city’s redevelopment ambitions. The two plans, which aim to transform bulawayo’s landscape, attract investment and promote sustainable urban growth, focus on areas around matopos road, plumtree road, and masiyephambili drive. They were presented during a meeting held at the small city hall on wednesday, where residents raised a series of concerns about infrastructure, traffic management, and financing.
Property consultant andrew chaka from knight frank zimbabwe said his company was closely following the proposals because of their potential impact on the real estate industry. “the development plan 12, which includes matopos road, plumtree road, and masiyephambili drive, is of particular concern due to the poor condition of roads in those areas,” he said. “the city needs to prioritise paving the roads to make the area more attractive for investment and development.” chaka also warned that desertification and poor infrastructure between emganwini, newton west, and bellevue could depress property values in nearby suburbs. “people are becoming hesitant to buy or invest in newton west because it is close to emganwini, an area facing environmental and infrastructure challenges,” he said.
“properties in morningside and bellevue could lose value as they become surrounded by high-density housing, making investors less willing to put money into those neighbourhoods.” residents also questioned how the city would address chronic electricity shortages and traffic management problems. Sphesiwethu magaza asked how the city planned to operate traffic lights given the ongoing power cuts. “we have seen that you are working on traffic lights. How are you going to fix the traffic lights since we have a problem with electricity?” he asked. Another resident, bornface muthale, said many motorists no longer respected traffic lights, suggesting the city should consider alternative ways of managing intersections.
“do we still have faith in traffic lights, particularly in road intersections and urban areas? There is a need for other ways to control traffic because we now have motorists that no longer respect traffic lights,” he said. Others, including newton west resident nkosiyapha gunene, wanted clarity on the timeline and financing of the projects. “in terms of financing all of this, is there already a financial plan or is it open for investors? And also, how long is this going to take, and when is the city council going to start this development?” he asked. Source: cite
