THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has unveiled two new Local Development Plans (LDPs 12 and 18), designed to revitalise selected parts of the city and unlock land for critical infrastructure development.
This initiative forms part of the city’s broader transformation strategy and includes proposals for a new hospital, a skills hub, a police station, and other investment opportunities.
The plans, prepared by the Town Planning Department, cover distinct areas: LDP 12 focuses on Bellevue, West Somerton, Newton and Emganwini, while LDP 18 targets the Central Business District and adjacent zones.
The new blueprint aims to create a spatial development framework that meets community needs while aligning with Government policies and international urban planning best practices.
Bulawayo City Council was the first local authority to have its Master Plan approved by Government after all councils were directed to produce them under the ‘A Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery’ blueprint launched by President Mnangagwa in 2024.
Speaking at the unveiling event, Ms Sehlile Moyo from the Town Planning Department said the plans will promote order, amenity and convenience, while preserving heritage. Among the key proposals are a new hospital to address healthcare gaps, a skills hub to empower youths, and a truck inn along the Plumtree Highway to boost economic activity. The plans also include upgrading shopping centres and road networks.
“We have identified a new hospital site in the study area because there is currently only one pharmacy and no health centres. The hospital will address gaps in healthcare accessibility for southern Bulawayo’s growing population. It will be strategically located near residential zones and major transport routes, ensuring emergency response efficiency and reducing pressure on central-city hospitals,” she said.
Ms Moyo added that the hospital could specialise in regional referrals or tertiary care. She also highlighted the proposed polytechnic or skills hub, which will cater to the social and economic needs of the community.
“When youths are empowered, they contribute to industrial growth and local economic development,” she noted.
According to council, the proposed truck inn will feature refuelling stations, rest areas and repair services, boosting local economic activity while improving road safety and traffic flow.
Presenting LDP 18, Town Planning Officer Ms Veronica Ncube said the plan links to LDP 4 and will also see development of the Inxwala Site and a police station. The plan seeks to expand the business centre with space for new shops and offices, while promoting high-rise buildings to modernise the area.
“We propose to have a service industry, institutional use with a site for a police station along Lady Stanley on the Victoria Falls Road, a commercial centre, a cultural centre and Inxwala site, professional offices and medical suites,” she said.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Edwin Ndlovu, emphasised the importance of these plans in attracting investment.
“These plans are crucial as they are our primary tool for attracting investment. In a competitive world, investors seek certainty, vision and a clear regulatory environment,” he said.
Cllr Ndlovu added that by designating land for mixed-use developments and commercial hubs, council was rolling out a red carpet for the private sector.
