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Business Reporter
ONLY 1,052 housing stands are up for grabs in Bulawayo so far as the local authority battles to clear the housing backlog which is now more than 100,000 units.

The council blames inadequate funding for failure to acquire equipment to service the stands. City Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo admitted the challenge in his New Year message last week.

He said as at December, 20, 2014 the local authority had only serviced 700 stands in Pumula South, 391 in Emhlangeni and 300 in Mahatshula. “There were inadequate funds to acquire more equipment and transport, while availability of skilled manpower was also a challenge,” said Clr Moyo.

“A total of 2,572 stands were allocated in Cowdray Park (Hlalani Kuhle scheme). 1,052 stands have also been identified and are pending allocation in the following areas: 562 Emhlangeni phase II medium density suburb and 490 Magwegwe North high density suburb.”

Provision of housing remains a major hurdle for council given suppressed revenue inflows in the wake of a weak economy and recent company closures and loss of jobs.

The scenario has, however, created an opportunity for private developers who are making a killing by selling stands to desperate home seekers at higher prices.

A 200 square-metre residential stand costs between $3,500 and $4,000.

The development mainly benefits the few who have money – closing out scores of home seekers some of whom have been on the housing waiting for nearly 20 years.