By Staff Reporter
Frustration simmers as Bulawayo residents decry chronic poor service delivery under the helm of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-led Bulawayo City Council (BCC), with many pointing fingers directly at Mayor David Coltart.
Barely six months in the City Hall, Coltart has failed to meet the expectations of the rate payers resulting in the call for his removal.
A source intimately acquainted with the sentiments of the local populace, revealed to this publication the magnitude of discontent brewing among Bulawayo residents.
“Despite assurances from both the BCC and Mayor Coltart himself regarding improvements in service delivery and quality of life enhancement, the stark reality on the ground paints a vastly different picture. Residents are at their wits' end and are demanding Mayor Coltart's resignation," the source emphasized.
The source said that one of the most glaring issues plaguing Bulawayo is its enduring water crisis, a basic necessity marred by unreliable supply.
“Despite pledges from Mayor Coltart to address this dire situation, promises remain unfulfilled, leaving residents to grapple with inadequate access to clean water for an extended period,” added the source.
Furthermore, the same source claimed that the state of infrastructure in Bulawayo has deteriorated significantly under Mayor Coltart's tenure.
"Roads scarred by potholes, inadequate street lighting, and dilapidated public facilities paint a picture of neglect, hindering not only the daily activities of residents but also impeding the city's overall progress and development,” said the source.
The source added that mismanagement of sanitation and waste poses yet another challenge, with overflowing sewage and uncollected garbage becoming commonplace.
Mrs. Hlengiwe Hlatshwayo, a resident of Ascot suburb, took to social media to voice her frustrations directly to Mayor Coltart, highlighting the dire situation in her area and the urgent need for action.
"The citizens deserve better, and a change in leadership may be the necessary step towards revitalizing the City and ensuring the well-being of its residents," expressed Hlatshwayo on her X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Another Bulawayo resident, Petros Mbonisi, urged the Government to put up a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the City as the CCC-led council has failed to deliver adequate services to the residents.
Meanwhile, Mayor Coltart is also feeling pressure from some pro-Nelson Chamisa people who are calling for him to resign as Mayor in solidarity with Chamisa’s resignation from the CCC.
