*Housing stands priced beyond the reach of many residents* ___________________________________ `June 11, 2025` ___________________________________ > *Follow The Voice Online News WhatsApp channel:* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaPRQqTHrDZdGRK5yH43 ___________________________________ > *Share The Voice Online News WhatsApp group link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/DjU5F7Goh3M6M4XSkg81Gx ___________________________________ > *To advertise with The Voice Online News, talk to us here:* https://wa.me/message/PLR6ANGW2RX4I1 ___________________________________ Councillors in Bulawayo have voiced growing concerns over the escalating prices of housing stands sold by private developers, warning that many city residents are being effectively shut out of the housing market. During a full council meeting last week, Ward 21 Councillor Tinevimbo Maposa highlighted the worsening challenge facing residents on the city's housing waiting list, which now exceeds 100,000 applicants. "Residents feel the council is neglecting its responsibility by leaving the servicing of stands entirely to private developers," Maposa said. "As a resident, I cannot buy a stand from the council because there are none available directly from the municipality. It's concerning that our role in this process appears to be shrinking." Maposa acknowledged the value of public-private partnerships but insisted the council must continue to provide serviced stands independently. "If it's a 50/50 arrangement with developers, that is fine, but we cannot completely abandon our duty to deliver council-serviced land," she added. Currently, stands sold by private developers command prices ranging from US$10,000 to US$30,000 depending on location and size — figures far beyond the reach of most on the council's official waiting list. Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu conceded the municipality faces serious financial constraints that limit its ability to deliver affordable housing. "Our previous presale housing schemes failed dismally. We still owe people stands we promised years ago," Ndlovu said. "The council is struggling to provide even basic services like water and sewage. We must be honest with residents — we simply do not have the resources to do everything." Ndlovu warned that the city's ongoing inability to supply affordable stands or maintain critical infrastructure risks fuelling public frustration, urging greater transparency from the council regarding its challenges. As Bulawayo grapples with rapid urban growth and strained resources, councillors are calling for renewed commitment to affordable housing solutions to prevent further marginalisation of lower-income residents. _*CITE*_