The City of Bulawayo has distanced itself from a proposed “Smart City” development being promoted online.
Council officials say several social media posts are falsely advertising residential stands in Cowdray Park.
The claims also mention parts of Norwood, Richmond and Helenvale.
However, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the council has not approved the project.
He said officials were concerned about misleading information reaching prospective home buyers.
Council Rejects Smart City Claims
Dube explained that the affected areas remain under the City of Bulawayo’s jurisdiction.
The council therefore controls municipal planning, development and related services in those areas.
He also confirmed that private developers promoting the project have no council approval.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that it has noted, with concern, a number of ill-informed social media posts and communication circulating about an alleged ‘Smart City’ development purported to take place in Cowdray Park, including claims about the sale of residential stands,” Dube said in a statement.
According to Dube, the council has not approved any subdivision linked to the alleged development.
He also said officials had not issued any development permit for the project.
Consequently, residents should verify land offers before making any payments.
“Members of the public are therefore urged not to assume that any advertisements, social media posts, promotional material or offers relating to the purported development have been issued, endorsed or authorised by the City of Bulawayo,” he said.
Residents Warned Over Land Deals
Dube urged prospective homeowners to exercise extreme caution when dealing with stand sellers.
He warned that buyers could lose their money through unlawful land transactions.
The council said it remains committed to transparent and lawful land administration.
The warning comes as Bulawayo continues to face severe pressure from its housing backlog.
More than 160,000 applicants reportedly remain on the city’s housing waiting list.
Limited serviced land has contributed to the problem over several decades.
Meanwhile, slow housing development has increased pressure on desperate home seekers.
That situation has also created opportunities for land barons and questionable developers.
Some sellers reportedly target buyers with promises of affordable stands without proper servicing.
Therefore, residents should confirm approvals with the council before committing their money.
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