The Bulawayo City Hall and its surrounding gardens are deeply woven into the city’s historical fabric. The fountain and pond area, situated at the main entrance, sit atop the site of the 1896 Rebellion laager, where a historic well was once the only water source for besieged settlers.
This well, rediscovered in 1951, remains a testament to the city’s resilience. The present City Hall was constructed between 1939 and 1940, replacing earlier market halls and becoming a captivating example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.
While the larger ornamental fountain in Central Park was built later in 1968, the City Hall fountain has long served as the aesthetic centrepiece for the “City of Kings and Queens.” Its restoration marks a return to the meticulously planned, “wide-road” elegance that once defined Bulawayo’s civic pride.
In a move that signals a symbolic shift toward urban renewal, the City of Bulawayo has officially commenced the rehabilitation of this iconic fountain and pond. For years, this once-stately water feature has sat moribund and empty, serving as a quiet reminder of the infrastructure challenges facing the city. However, a new partnership between the local authority and a consortium of Bulawayo-owned businesses is set to breathe life back into this historic landmark.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart took to social media to announce the commencement of the project, expressing his delight that the city is finally addressing this long-dormant centrepiece. The timing of the project is strategic; the municipal government aims to have the fountain fully functional and cascading by the time the city hosts the rest of the nation for the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), scheduled to run from April 20 to April 25, 2026.
Mayor Coltart was candid regarding the scope of the project, acknowledging that while the restoration of a fountain does not solve the city’s more pressing systemic issues, its value lies in its civic pride. “Whilst this doesn’t create any jobs, or improve our roads, it is a symbolic small step forward as we seek to restore the grandeur of the City of Kings and Queens,” Coltart stated. This transparency highlights a leadership approach that balances the pursuit of major infrastructure overhauls with the “small wins” that improve the psychological and aesthetic landscape of the city.
The involvement of a consortium of local businesses is particularly noteworthy. Through the awarding of the contract to Bulawayo-based entities, the city is ensuring that the investment circulates within the local economy. This collaborative model reflects a growing trend in Zimbabwean urban management where the private sector steps in to assist local authorities in preserving heritage sites.
As the ZITF draws near under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” the City Hall fountain is expected to become a focal point for visitors and residents alike. In the broader context of Bulawayo’s development, the project serves as a beacon of hope—a sign that with local cooperation and a clear vision, the city can reclaim its status as a beautiful urban centre.
