The Bulawayo City Council has given the long-stalled Egodini Re-development Project yet another extension after developer Terracotta Trading submitted key documents demanded by the local authority.
According to a council report dated 13 November 2025, Terracotta avoided termination after finally submitting proof of funding, a performance bond, a revised project structure and a detailed programme of works on October 15.
Council had initially issued the contractor with a six-month notice of termination in December 2024, citing “abandonment of the site, lack of progress, non-payment of rentals, and failure to submit a detailed programme of works,” read the minutes.
That notice was later extended to September 12 2025 as engagements continued.
A crucial meeting was finally held on September 16 2025, where Terracotta pleaded its case and agreed to meet council’s new conditions.
After reviewing the documents submitted in October, management recommended continuation of the project.
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“The management committee was satisfied with the responses provided and supports the continuation of the Egodini Re-development Project under the revised consortium,” reads part of the minutes.
Council has now extended the termination notice to September 2 2026 to give the developer time to meet outstanding obligations.
In a related development, council management asked councillors to rescind a resolution passed on September 3 2025 that allowed the city fathers to directly engage Terracotta, extend the contract by six months, and convene an Egodini workshop.
Management argued that the decision was procedurally flawed because the report under which it was made had been tabled for nformation only, not for deliberation.
According to the minutes, town clerk Christopher Dube — who is the final authority and accounting officer — has full responsibility for contract administration, acting on the advice of the project manager.
“It was therefore inappropriate for councillors to engage directly with the contractor on contractual issues,” the minutes state, adding that extensions of time fall strictly under the town clerk’s administrative jurisdiction.
The recommendation sparked debate, with several councillors rejecting what they viewed as attempts to sideline elected officials from a project of high public interest.
Councilor Mmeli Thobeka Moyo argued that council could not distance itself from a development that had stalled for years.
“Councillors have an oversight role to play in shaping the city,” Moyo is quoted as have said in the minutes.
"We should be engaged in contractual issues, especially where the contracts have failed or affect residents.”
Councillor Royini Sekete also questioned why Terracotta should be shielded from direct engagement when other contractors had been summoned before council.
“Previously Terracotta had a meeting with councillors — why not now? It is important for council to engage Terracotta,” Sekete said.
The legal officer also clarified that there was “no illegality” in arranging such a meeting, contradicting earlier implications that councillors were overstepping.
The acting director of works revealed that Terracotta was restructuring its company and that, according to its newly submitted programme of works, construction on the remaining phases of Egodini Mall is scheduled to start in January 2026.
Council resolved to rescind the September 3 2025 resolutions relating to Terracotta’s contract and arrange a meeting between councillors and Terracotta “at a suitable date to be advised.”