Police in Bulawayo have barred beneficiaries of Woodville stands from demonstrating at the Large City Hall over Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the developer’s delay in servicing the area.
Beneficiaries of housing stands in Woodville have been up in arms with BCC and the developer, Asphalt Construction over the delayed servicing of the area despite them paying in full the purchase prices.
Police had to preside over a dialogue between the irate residents and council authorities to avert a demonstration by the former.
According to a letter addressed to representatives of the beneficiaries, Officer Commanding Bulawayo Central District, Chief Superintendent Never Tembo turned down the request noting that the local authority had agreed to the dialogue. He wrote:
With reference to the maintenance of peace and order section eight Chapter 11:23, consultations, negotiations, amendment of notices and conditions with respect to gatherings to avoid public disorder, I refer to a consultative meeting held on 26 October at ZRP Bulawayo Central headquarters.
The Bulawayo City Council representatives and you (Woodville stand beneficiaries) agreed to have a dialogue on the issue of delayed servicing of Woodville North stands on a date yet to be advised. It is from this background that picketing/demonstrating is not recommended.