Abstract
The study gives insight on community participation in sustainable infrastructure development in Hlalani Kuhle Community in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. It sought to ascertain whether communities are included in a bid to make livable communities in the age of sustainability and overcome a plethora of difficulties through sustainable infrastructure development. The study utilised the qualitative research approach through the use of descriptive data, and a case study design was employed as it was deemed essential for the subject under focus. Non-probability sampling techniques, specifically purposive sampling and quota sampling approaches, were applied in the selection of participants. It additionally employed two research tools, which consisted of in-depth interviews and non-participant observation, to gather data from the study site. The study revealed that community participation was largely discouraged by a lot of factors, such as politics, lack of knowledge, expectations, and personal responsibilities. Thus, council social media stakeholder engagement is the only current method of enhancing community participation. As such, there is a need for the Cowdray Park community to form associations that represent them as a whole and are free from political influence. Furthermore, the Bulawayo City Council should seek funding from donors and private investors to facilitate sustainable infrastructure development in Cowdray Park, as well as to implement in situ upgrading.