Sewer bursts and uncertainty over title deed security dominated discussions at a ward 25 meeting in Bulawayo, where residents pressed council officials for answers on service delivery and property ownership concerns.
The concerns reflect growing anxiety among residents over deteriorating municipal services and proposed changes to property ownership systems.
With sewer bursts increasingly affecting neighbourhoods and questions emerging over government plans to tighten title deed security, residents demanded transparency and action from authorities.
The meeting was attended by ward 25 councillor Aleck Ndlovu, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) officials and representatives of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, who participated as guests.
Ndlovu said sewer bursts and blockages had become a major challenge not only in ward 25 but across Bulawayo, with the problem worsened by the improper disposal of waste into drainage systems.
“Sewer bursts and blockages have become a major challenge affecting not only ward 25 but Bulawayo as a whole,” Ndlovu said.
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He urged residents to stop disposing of diapers, utensils and other waste into drains.
“Such practices contribute to sewer blockages and subsequent sewage overflow, affecting public health and the environment,” he said.
BCC housing department official Lovemore Dube told residents that government is working on a programme to strengthen the security of title deeds, aimed at improving accountability and reducing property ownership disputes.
“Government is working on a programme aimed at strengthening and tightening the security of title deeds to improve accountability and reduce disputes over property ownership,” Dube said.
Residents, however, expressed concern over what they described as a lack of consultation on the matter, saying they learned about the proposed changes through online platforms.
They called for greater transparency, clearer communication and broader public engagement, citing fears over the possible implications for home ownership and tenure security.
Road infrastructure also emerged as a key concern, with Ndlovu acknowledging the poor state of roads in the ward and across the city.
“The city is concerned about the deteriorating road network. The challenge is attributed to inadequate funding from Zinara, as the funds allocated to council are insufficient,” he said.
Ndlovu said the city had embarked on road rehabilitation works, starting with major roads in the central business district.
“The city has already begun road rehabilitation works, starting with key roads in the city centre, which serve as the face of Bulawayo’s road network,” he said.
He encouraged residents to play an active role in maintaining and improving local roads and other infrastructure.