End Of 2024 Means Smart City Failure For Bulawayo

By Correspondent

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is now left with mere months to complete its Smart City projects.

BCC had set 2024 as the year by which it would have completed the various projects launched in 2019.

The Smart City strategy entails implementation of development projects such as smart energy and special economic zones.

The initiative was being run concurrently with the government’s cities regeneration and rehabilitation exercise.

According to BCC Economic Development Officer Kholisani Moyo, the Smart City concept, “includes all the sectors of the city’s economy such as tourism, water, energy and roads.

“In water we talk of the recycling of Khami Dam water, prepaid meters and solutions to speedily check water leaks.

Moyo added that it would also involve meter readings using gadgets which will identify the areas yet to be dealt with.

The Council had also laid a target to build solar farms, install solar street lights and install a solar system at its premises.

However, save for a few, none of the targets have been realised as yet.

Missed Targets

A novel idea to employ drones to deal with illegal activities has also seemingly failed to be realised.

The issue of vendors remains a challenge with council struggling to provide them with proper infrastructure.

The much touted Egodini Bus Terminus is one of the few positives by the Council after it recently opened.

The opening ended an 8-year closure for its rehabilitation by SA-based contractor Terracotta Trading Private Limited.

However, what was completed is only the first phase.

The project was hampered by delays and operational challenges resulting in countless missed deadlines.

Another target of smart cities in areas such as Cowdray Park, which sought to replicate the plans for Harare’s Mt Hampden, have also been missed.

Another industrial park meant for Umvumila, a designated Special Economic Zone has failed to take-off.

However, with challenges persisting in BCC’s financials, many of the targets are virtually no longer practical.

With only a few months left before the year comes to an end its given that the Smart City agenda has failed, for now.