More than 270 dilapidated buildings across Bulawayo have become potential death traps, exposing residents and businesses to serious safety risks as many property owners continue to ignore council orders to carry out repairs.
A report by the Bulawayo City Council’s housing and community services department reveals that, despite repeated warnings and inspections, the majority of owners of condemned or deteriorating properties have failed to act.
According to the report presented to the environmental management and engineering services committee, the council revisited 14 dilapidated properties in May, but found no meaningful progress towards compliance. “Fourteen properties were again revisited in May and no changes were recorded regarding compliance to our repair instructions,” the report said.
The local authority said it was currently tracking a total of 270 buildings requiring urgent attention due to structural defects and the deterioration of key components.
Of these, a staggering 187 property owners have made no attempt at all to comply with repair orders.
Only 77 properties have partially complied, while repairs are actively underway at just six buildings.
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The figures paint a worrying picture of worsening urban decay in Bulawayo, where ageing infrastructure and neglected buildings are becoming an increasing threat to public safety.
Cracked walls, weakened structures, damaged roofs, and deteriorating facades can collapse without warning—particularly during storms or heavy winds—potentially causing injuries, deaths, or damage to nearby properties.
The situation also raises concerns about the city’s ability to enforce building maintenance regulations.
While the council says action is being taken to compel compliance, the lack of progress suggests enforcement measures have had limited success. The report came as Bulawayo is simultaneously grappling with other urban management challenges, including illegal construction, environmental crime, and infrastructure breakdowns.
During May, the building control section carried out 1 119 site inspections and raised over US$10 379 from inspections and related activities.
The council also noted that some residents continue constructing buildings without approved plans, forcing authorities to issue fines and notices and to confiscate tools in several suburbs, including Cowdray Park, Pumula South, Entumbane, and Nkulumane.
With hundreds of unsafe structures still standing, the report suggests Bulawayo may be sitting on a ticking time bomb.