A BULAWAYO councillor has urged the local authority to engage owners of unfinished houses to come up with a way forward amid indications some of the properties are now hideouts for criminals.
Ward 6 councillor Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu says unfinished houses were now a haven for people conducting illegal activities.
“Most of the uncompleted stands have now become hiding places for thieves and those conducting illegal activities which have had a negative impact on the growth of our community,” he said.
Mpofu said council had laws which considered the completion of residential developments, but it had relaxed those laws due to the prevailing economic hardships in the country.
“They have also set up shacks in those incomplete buildings and that is were most illegalities are taking place like drug trafficking, which has led to rogue behaviour among the youth,” he said.
“Recently, I applaud the council as they have tried to resolve the issue of double allocation of residential stands as this is way forward towards development of the area,” Mpofu added.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association ward 6 chairperson Andrew Dlodlo echoed Mpofu’s sentiments.
“Most of the areas have been occupied by thieves and muggers, while being associated with some illegal activities,” he said.
Dlodlo appealed to Zimbabwe Republic Police to curb such activities in Cowdray Park to make their society a better place to stay in.