Neglect and Despair in Burombo: The Crumbling Flats of Bulawayo
In the heart of Nguboyenja, the Burombo flats stand as a stark reminder of decades of neglect and unimaginable hardship. These decrepit, city council-owned buildings were once envisioned as affordable housing for the working-class residents of Bulawayo. But today, they have become a living nightmare for the families trapped within their decaying walls.
The Burombo flats have a long and troubled history. Constructed in the 1960s, they were initially intended to provide decent and low-cost accommodation for the city’s growing population. However, over the years, the once-vibrant community has descended into a harrowing state of disrepair and despair.
When Kontuthu News visisted the flats they noted blocked sewers, malfunctioning toilets, and a lack of electricity have turned these flats into a living hell.
Living Conditions: A Desperate Reality
Residents of Burombo flats endure unimaginable conditions on a daily basis. Imagine sharing a single toilet with fifty other people, the stench of overflowing sewage permeating the air. Picture eleven individuals crammed into a single room, their dreams of a better life crushed by the harsh reality of their surroundings.
One resident, who requested anonymity out of fear of eviction, described the situation in bleak terms, “We live in constant fear of diseases, especially cholera and diarrhoea. The toilets are blocked, and the sewage flows into our homes. Children play amidst the filth, risking their health. We have lost hope.”
Electrocution and Sewage: A Deadly Combination
Proportional Representation, Councillor Melisa Mabeza, has been a vocal advocate for the residents of Burombo. During the April Full Council Meeting, she proposed that the flats be shut down for urgent renovations, citing the dire living conditions.
“The living conditions at Burombo are not good for people’s health,” she asserted.
She added, “Children have been electrocuted due to dangling power cables near water.”
The sewer system is a ticking time bomb, with sewage from neighbouring areas, including Thorngrove, flowing into Burombo and exacerbating the crisis. The stench is unbearable, and flies swarm the area. Residents fear an outbreak of diseases, and yet, solutions remain elusive.
While some councillors blame residents for disposing of materials that block the system, the responsibility ultimately lies with the city council. Renovations and urgent repairs are essential. Burombo flats must be renovated, or their inhabitants will continue to suffer.
A Plea for Dignity and Change
As we leave Burombo, the cries of its residents linger, a desperate plea for dignity, safety, and a chance at a better life. Suffering stands tall, waiting for the winds of change to blow through its neglected corridors. The fate of Burombo’s residents hangs in the balance, a testament to the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the city’s housing crisis.
#News in Bulawayo #News in Zimbabwe Artist Arts BCC Bulawayo Bulawayo City Council Bulawayo Drugs Bulawayo economy Bulawayo industry Bulawayo news Bulawayo Police Bulawayo Water Bulawayo Water Crisis Bulawayo Women entrepreneurship Business Women Community Culture Currency Drug Abuse Drugs Economy Farmer Farmers Farming Informal Sector Informal Traders MSMEs Music News in Bulawayo News in Zimbabwe Police Police in Bulawayo Vendor Vendors water Water Crisis Water Shortage water supply issue Women entrepreneurship ZESA Zimbabwean economy Zimbabwe news Zimbabwe water crisis ZITF ZRP
Join us for all News in Bulawayo and Bulawayo News in Zimbabwe.
