Bulawayo Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has recommended the eviction of illegal tenants and lodgers from Burombo Flats between Thorn-groove and Nguboyenja High Density Suburbs, following the discovery of widespread subletting and severe overcrowding that has left some rooms housing as many as 16 people.
The recommendations stem from an administrative verification and assessment exercise carried out at the housing complex, which exposed tenancy irregularities, deteriorating living conditions and mounting pressure on essential services.
According to council minutes, the assessment involved physical inspections and door-to-door interviews aimed at verifying tenancy records, occupancy levels and rental payment compliance.
The findings revealed that many registered tenants were no longer occupying their units, with some reported deceased, others having relocated to rural areas or secured alternative accommodation elsewhere. In many instances, current occupants had little or no knowledge of the registered tenants, raising concerns over illegal subletting and the unauthorised transfer of council accommodation.
Council said the practice has contributed significantly to overcrowding at the flats, with numerous rooms accommodating five or more people. In extreme cases, up to 16 occupants were found sharing a single room.
The report also found that common kitchens had been partitioned into makeshift living quarters, while some residents were occupying storerooms lacking proper ventilation and lighting.
The overcrowding has further worsened living conditions at the complex, which has been without electricity since October 2023 following the electrocution of a four-year-old child. Residents now rely on gas and charcoal for cooking and heating, creating additional safety risks in the congested environment.
Council noted that the growing population at the flats is placing enormous strain on the sewer system, resulting in frequent blockages and sewer spillages that pose health and environmental hazards.
To address the crisis, the Health, Housing and Education Department has proposed relocating some residents to Vundu Hostels and encouraging qualifying occupants to apply for residential stands.
Council also recommended the eviction of illegal tenants, lodgers and individuals occupying storerooms, while restoring converted communal kitchens to their original purpose. Occupants who inherited rooms from deceased or absent parents may be regularised through the issuance of new tenancy documents and accounts as part of efforts to improve accountability and rental collection.
