Published: 1 hour ago

The City of Bulawayo awarded procurement contracts worth more than US$1.5 million in April 2026 despite mounting challenges that have seen infrastructure projects delayed, contractors abandoning sites, and suppliers waiting months for payment.

According to a procurement report presented to council on May 21, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said 22 contracts valued at US$1 505 325,38 were awarded during the month.

Most of the contracts were for goods, which accounted for 15 awards, while five were for non-consultancy services. One contract each was awarded for works and consultancy services.

Competitive bidding and framework agreements were the dominant procurement methods, each accounting for 40,91 percent of the contracts awarded. Direct procurement and request-for-quotation methods were used less frequently, representing 9,09 percent each.

Local companies secured the majority of the contracts, with 14 awarded to Bulawayo-based firms and eight going to companies from Harare. However, the report highlighted ongoing concerns over inclusivity, showing that 12 of the successful companies were male-owned, seven jointly owned, two female-owned, and only one youth-owned.

Despite the new awards, the city continues to face significant implementation challenges across its project portfolio.

At the beginning of April, council was overseeing 77 active contracts. Only four projects were completed during the month, while 39 remained on schedule. However, 34 projects were behind schedule and nine were classified as non-performing.

Several major infrastructure developments, including sewer rehabilitation projects, residential stand servicing schemes and public building refurbishments, have experienced delays. Some projects have entered dispute resolution processes, with arbitration underway in cases involving sewer tunnel rehabilitation and housing developments in high-density suburbs.

One of the most notable setbacks involved the refurbishment of Beithall, where the contractor abandoned the site after council rejected requests for contract price adjustments.

Council indicated that it is now pursuing measures to take over the project and complete the outstanding works using retention funds.

Funding shortages remain a major obstacle to project implementation. Several contractors responsible for road works and equipment supply reportedly remain unpaid months after signing agreements with council.

In some housing servicing projects, beneficiaries have been asked to make additional financial contributions to ensure work continues.

The city has also encountered procurement complications. A supplier contracted to provide SADC-standard traffic signs argued that inconsistencies between tender pricing documents and the electronic Government Procurement system made the contract financially unviable. Council is now preparing to cancel and re-advertise the tender.

Despite these challenges, the municipality advertised 48 new tenders during April, signalling its intention to continue pursuing infrastructure and service delivery projects.

Council acknowledged that improved funding mechanisms, stronger contract management systems and enhanced project monitoring will be critical to addressing delays and reducing the growing backlog of incomplete projects.
- Southern Eye

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