Byo toilet project stalls over survey delays

THE Bulawayo City Council has reported sluggish progress on the construction of household toilets in high-density suburbs, with work largely stalled pending a crucial topographic survey.

According to the latest housing and community services report, presented on June 4, 2026, sanitation projects in Iminyela and Mabutweni face significant backlogs.

In Iminyela, only 10 toilet units have been completed, while 217 are partially finished, leaving a substantial 1,005 units still outstanding.

The situation is the same in Mabutweni where 484 toilets have been built out of a planned 1 815, leaving 1 331 units yet to be constructed.

The council confirmed that the entire project was at a standstill, awaiting the completion of a topographic survey to proceed.

While the programme aims to improve household sanitation in densely populated areas, technical and logistical hurdles continue to hinder uniform progress.

The council conceded that uneven progress is being driven by a combination of technical assessments and logistical constraints.

In a separate monthly update, the council also presented occupancy figures for its four city-run hostels, which together accommodate 714 residents.

The report noted no fluctuations in occupancy levels over the month under review.

Revenue generation remained steady across all facilities.

Gertrude McIntyre hostel houses 204 occupants and brings in US$3 120 per month.

Vundu hostel, with Block 3 still closed, hosts 351 occupants and generates US$2 808.

Burombo hostel accommodates 159 residents, contributing US$2 862, while Sidojiwe hostel, also with 159 occupants, yields US$1 908.

Combined, the hostel portfolio generates a monthly income of US$10 698.

Both the sanitation and hostel reports were formally received and noted by the city council, with no further directives issued at the meeting.

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