RESIDENTS have welcome Bulawayo City Council (BCC)’s initiative to renovate dilapidated buildings.
The residents described the move as a step towards improving the city’s aesthetic appeal and attracting investors.
BCC recently revealed that it is issuing three notices to property owners to rehabilitate their buildings and failure to do so subjects the property owner to a penalty fee.
Some of the city buildings are in a bad state which is against BCC’s building control by-laws.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association finance secretary Thabani Ndlovu described the initiative by the local authority as a good move.
“We, as residents, call on the council to push the owners of the buildings to renovate them as it improves the outlook of the city and attracts investors,” he said.
However, he also acknowledged that the current harsh economic environment was a challenge for property owners to renovate their buildings.
Meanwhile, Residents Charter chairperson Thamsanqa Ndlovu said council should focus on other critical issues especially service delivery.
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“What we would want to see in the city is an improved road network, public ablution facilities, proper vending sites and proper pick-up and drop-off points for commuter omnibuses,” he said.
“We once proposed a revitalisation programme which would involve property developers, architects, real estate companies and building owners.”
The City of Bulawayo has condemned 225 buildings between 2021 and 2025, and property owners face penalties if they fail to renovate their properties.
