The Bulawayo City Council has approved building plans worth more than US$9,6 million as the city battles a housing waiting list that has surged past 160 000 applicants.
With demand far outstripping supply, the latest council figures highlight the growing pressure on Bulawayo’s housing sector, even as authorities attempt to stimulate development through building approvals and inspections.
A total of 161 058 housing application forms have been captured in the AS400 system.
According to the latest building control section report, the director of Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, said the department processed 1 252 building plans in December 2025.
Of these, 859 were referred to other departments and were yet to complete the approval process, while 393 were finalised.
"Of the 393 plans that completed the process, 264 building plans with a value of US$9 632 810 were approved, while 129 were referred back for corrections,” the report said.
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"There was a decrease of 7,69% on approved plans compared to the total approved in November 2025."
Between November 26 and 30, 427 building plans worth US$11 465 798 were submitted, a 9,77% increase from October. This generated US$114 657,98 in submission fees.
Council noted that 347 of those plans were lodged between November 26 and 30, as developers rushed to beat the operationalisation deadline of Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025, which requires building plans to be prepared by individuals or entities registered with the Architects Council of Zimbabwe.
In December, only 80 plans were submitted — a roughly 70% drop from previous months — illustrating the potential negative impact of SI 56 of 2025 on development activity and revenue.
Council noted that a total of 1 237 inspections were carried out in December 2025, constituting a 21,8% decrease from the previous month’s total.
From these inspections, 53 buildings were issued with occupation certificates and 162 dilapidated buildings were revisited.
"A possible total of US$10 965 was raised from building inspections and other building control activities captured in this report," the minutes read.
The city is monitoring 252 properties identified as requiring attention due to structural concerns.