Superb progress continues on the rehabilitation of the fountain outside Bulawayo City Hall, with Mayor David Coltart confirming the iconic structure will be filled by the end of the week and tested on Saturday. Speaking to contractors on site this morning, the mayor was told the fountain should be ready ahead of next week’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where he will host several ambassadors at City Hall.

The fountain, defunct for over a decade, is being upgraded as well as refurbished.

It will be easier to clean than the old one and will feature coloured lights and powerful water jet sprays.

Mayor Coltart inspected the site on Easter Monday and noted he was gratified to find contractors working through the holiday to ensure the project is finished on time.

“One of our City’s jewels is going to be better than ever soon,” he posted on social media.

Sharing images of the advanced work.

While acknowledging the project will not provide jobs or lessen the cost of living for residents, the mayor described the rehabilitation as a symbolic act of where the city is headed.

“As I have said repeatedly in the context of potholed streets and broken water delivery systems, this doesn’t improve the day to day lives of residents but it is an iconic structure and its refurbishment is another sign that we are slowly rehabilitating Bulawayo,” he said.

Mayor Coltart extended thanks to Town Clerk Christopher Dube, Engineer Dibidi and his team, and the Bulawayo based contracting companies behind the work.

“Our vision for our City is to do the same in every sector namely to transform our City into one of the most beautiful and lively cities in Africa,” he added.

With contractors making what he called “fabulous progress,” the fountain is set to reclaim its place as a centrepiece of City Hall just in time for the Trade Fair.