The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced plans to demolish 17 properties in the Hlalani Kuhle/Garikai section of Cowdray Park to pave the way for a stormwater drainage system aimed at alleviating severe flooding in the area.
However, the move has sparked frustration among affected residents, who claim they were not formally informed of the council’s decision. They are calling for clear communication and compensation to ease the uncertainty and distress caused by the announcement.
Residents Caught Off Guard
Mrs. Lynette Khumalo, one of the affected homeowners, said her family only learned about the proposed demolition of their seven-roomed house through rumors.
“We heard through the grapevine that our home is among the properties slated for demolition. Unfortunately, there has been no official communication from the council, and it is unsettling not to know the facts,” she said.
She added that even an incomplete house next door, which is still at slab level, is reportedly on the demolition list.
Another resident, Mr. Andrew Moyo, emphasized the need for transparency and a structured relocation plan.
“Transparency is key. If our houses are to be demolished, the council must clearly explain how we will be compensated. We have children in school, and relocation would mean making arrangements to transfer them,” he said.
While he expressed concerns about the lack of communication, Mr. Moyo acknowledged the ongoing flooding issues in the area.
“Flooding is a nightmare for us. The rainy season, which should be a blessing, has become a curse. I’ve lost property to water damage, so I don’t mind moving to a safer area,” he said.
Chronic Flooding in Cowdray Park
During a site visit on Monday, a news crew observed several homes already partially submerged following heavy rains on Sunday. The flooding problem in Cowdray Park has persisted for years, with properties built on wetlands and floodplains particularly vulnerable.
In its latest council minutes, BCC disclosed that on October 10, 2024, it resolved to relocate residents from the 17 affected stands to make way for the construction of stormwater drainage infrastructure.
“The acting director of works reported on October 10, 2024, that the council on June 1, 2022, resolved that the beneficiaries of stand numbers 18666, 18667, 18712, 18853, 18852, 20144, 20145, 20113, 20074, 20060, 20063, 19837 and 19807 be relocated to allow for the construction of the proposed stormwater drainage that would help alleviate flooding in the area,” read the council minutes.
A Delayed Housing Project
The Hlalani Kuhle housing development project, launched in 2012, aimed to provide roads, sewer, and water infrastructure for 15,524 stands. Initially, residents were required to contribute US$50 monthly, with the project expected to be completed within five years. However, financial difficulties among residents derailed the timeline.
By 2017, many residents were unable to meet their payment obligations, prompting the council to reduce contributions to US$15 per month. Despite the reduction, only 25 percent of beneficiaries consistently paid, severely affecting cash flow and delaying the project timeline to 16 years from the original five.
“From the records, it has been shown that 75 percent of the allocated beneficiaries failed to meet their agreed monthly obligations of US$50,” the council noted.
Addressing Urban Flooding
Urban flooding remains a critical issue in Bulawayo and other cities across the country. Building homes in unsuitable areas, such as wetlands, has worsened the situation in densely populated areas like Cowdray Park.
The BCC said the storm drainage project is essential to address the recurrent flooding, but residents are urging the council to expedite the communication process, provide detailed compensation plans, and ensure a smooth relocation process.
The council has yet to respond to residents’ calls for greater transparency and assurances regarding their future.