By Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council has disowned a purported “Smart City” development being marketed by private developers on municipal land, warning members of the public not to fall prey to land barons.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Town Clerk, BCC clarified its jurisdiction and the status of the project following adverts circulating on social media.
The City said Cowdray Park Township, Norwood Township, Richmond and portions of Helenvale Block fall within its jurisdiction and administration.
Accordingly, the City said, it remains responsible for administering municipal services and for planning and development control.
“The City of Bulawayo wishes to place on record that it has no connection whatsoever with the purported ‘Smart City’ project being promoted by alleged private developers on Municipal land,” reads the statement.
“Members of the public are therefore urged not to assume that any advertisements, social media posts, promotional material or offers relating to the purported development have been issued, endorsed or authorised by the City of Bulawayo.”
The local authority stated that it has not issued any development approvals for the project.
“The City further wishes to inform the public that, as at the date of this statement, the City has not issued any subdivision or development permit for the purported ‘Smart City’ development.
“Members of the public should therefore exercise extreme caution when engaging with individuals or entities offering stands for sale or making representations about the purported development on Council Land or Private Land without the necessary approvals,” said the City.
Crackdown on Land Barons
The warning comes as the City intensifies enforcement against illegal land sales and unplanned settlements.
This is most particular in Cowdray Park and other peri-urban areas.
Bulawayo is currently grappling with a housing waiting list of more than 160 000.
The situation has left desperate home seekers vulnerable to bogus developers.
Council has in the past warned against the sale of unserviced stands in areas such as Umganin Phase IV.
It named Veluntina Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Cabin Lock Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd t/a Cabin Lock Construction and Heavenview Properties (Pvt) Ltd for allegedly selling stands before full servicing in violation of service agreements.
Council said such developments violate the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and will be demolished at the cost of offenders.
In recent years, cases of home seekers being duped by land barons have increased.
Some victims have lost tens of thousands of dollars in Upper Rangemore and other areas.
