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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has said it will take the municipality 16 years to service the Hlalani Kuhle/Garikai area and $39 million is needed for the project.

Council said initially it had projected to complete servicing the area at the end of this year but due to low revenues received from Hlalani Kuhle/Garikai home-owners, council has resolved that the project will be completed in the year 2033.

It said it is now seeking financial partners to ensure the completion of the programme. According to the latest council minutes, the total cost for the project is $46 million and work amounting to $7 million only has been done.

“Resolved to recommend that Council prepares a project proposal for project funding by potential funders such as National Social Security Authority and any other financial institution interested in funding the project in order to fully service and complete the major roads, water and sewer in the Hlalani Kuhle project area,” reads the minutes.

BCC said without financial partners it will take 16 years for council to complete the servicing of the stands.

“The new projected time to complete the works is now around 16 years from the initial five years on $50 monthly instalments. Historically, records show that about 75 percent of the allocated beneficiaries failed to meet their agreed monthly obligations of $50,” reads the council minutes.

It said council has so far allocated 4 650 new stands to people due to double allocations.

“Significant progress has been made, however, lack of financial commitment on the part of the beneficiaries has resulted in a slow pace of the project. The total number of stands with water reticulation is now more than 6000. The total number of stands with both sewer and water reticulation is now totalling 1007,” reads the council report. — @nqotshili