In his tour visit yesterday, the minister of local government and public works Minister Garwe challenged the city of Bulawayo and its residents to return to their glory. 

Addressing those who had been gathered at Bulawayo’s large City Hall, Minister Garwe said the second engagement on the city’s development and environmental challenges, was an opportunity for constructive dialogue on the future of Bulawayo and the kind of city residents wanted to leave for future generations.

The engagement followed an earlier meeting held in Harare on September 2, 2026 with Bulawayo authorities.

“We are here to discuss the future of this beautiful city. We are here to discuss where we are taking this city in terms of wellness. What kind of Zimbabwe are we preparing for future generations?” Minister Garwe said.

He also emphasised that the discussion was not about issuing orders, protests or threats, but finding solutions through dialogue and collective responsibility.

“We are not here to participate in protests or to threaten. We are here to engage. We are here to discuss. We are not here to give orders; we are here to engage,” he said.

Minister Garwe said Bulawayo held a special place in Zimbabwe’s history and economy, describing it as a city of profound historical, economic and national significance.

The Minister saidthe city is a centre of industry, commerce, culture and the arts, and should position itself to take advantage of regional markets as Zimbabwe pursues its development objectives under Vision 2030.

“Bulawayo is the second largest city. It is the centre for industry, it is the centre for commerce, it is the centre for culture and the arts. It is a city of profound historical and national significance,” he said.

He challenged residents to reflect on the legacy they wanted to leave for future generations.

“What kind of Bulawayo are we preparing for the next generation?” he asked.

Minister Garwe said Bulawayo should never be allowed to lose the qualities that made it an important city, stressing that the Government was determined to see improvements in cleanliness, orderliness, roads and other basic services.

“Bulawayo will never be the same again in terms of cleanliness and orderliness. The quality of roads, the quality of water that is drunk by the people of Bulawayo – this is about our identity. How do we want to be identified as owners of Bulawayo?” he said.

He invoked the legacy of legendary Bulawayo figures and sporting institutions, saying the city’s proud history demanded a higher standard of civic responsibility.

“Bulawayo is more than that. It is the home of Highlanders. It is the home of Umdalawethu, the father of Zimbabwe. How special Bulawayo is,” he said.