Housing crisis deepens as 140,000 residents remain on waiting list

By Staff writer – Council Watch

The City of Bulawayo is facing an acute housing crisis with 140,000 residents currently on the waiting list for residential stands, Mayor Senator D. Coltart revealed during a Council meeting on June 3, 2026.

“This figure is too much,” the Mayor acknowledged, promising that “efforts would be made to provide more stands.” The crisis has been exacerbated by the return of Zimbabweans from neighboring countries due to xenophobic violence, further straining the city’s already limited housing capacity.

Councillors expressed concern that the waiting list includes forms that are “very old,” with some residents having waited years without receiving land allocation. The debate highlighted tensions between the need to prioritize long-standing applicants and the reality that many local residents cannot afford residential stands, creating opportunities for wealthier buyers, including returning foreign residents.

Councillor M. Mahlangu emphasized the historical significance of land, referencing the country’s armed struggle and the late Vice President Dr. J.M.N. Nkomo’s emphasis on land empowerment. He proposed that Council exchange some of its virgin land for plant and equipment to produce more affordable residential stands, ensuring priority is given to residents with the oldest waiting list forms.

The housing discussion also touched on the ongoing digitalization of title deeds scheme being implemented countrywide by Central Government. Councillor P. Nyathi proposed a mini-workshop for all Councillors to better understand the process, as many residents have been seeking information from their ward representatives.

The Mayor noted that while the digitalization programme is still in its infant stage with teething challenges being addressed, a workshop could be arranged once the initial implementation issues are resolved.

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