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12 Nov 2024 at 10:55hrs | Views
The Harare City Council's ongoing struggles with waste management have led to significant garbage accumulation and overflowing sewage at key public transit points, sparking health concerns among commuters and transport operators.
During a visit to Market Square rank yesterday, piles of garbage were seen scattered across the area, while sewage gushed from manholes, creating an unbearable stench and raising the risk of disease outbreaks. A similar situation was observed at the Charge Office bus terminus, where council workers attempted - though unsuccessfully - to clear the waste upon noticing a photographer from The Herald.
Mr. Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe, chairman of the Harare Youth Transporters Association (HAYTA), expressed outrage over what he described as a "health time bomb" in the city's transit areas. "This is actually a health hazard for everyone who uses the rank; drivers, conductors, vendors, and commuters, among others. This can lead to an outbreak of diseases like typhoid and cholera," he warned.
Gwengwe added that although commuter operators have made efforts to maintain some cleanliness in the terminuses, the City Council has failed to support these efforts, allowing piles of garbage to accumulate.
Market Square bus conductor Mr. Ben Chidora urged the council to increase the number of large skip bins in these high-traffic areas to better manage waste. "We also have raw sewage flowing which is a health hazard and must be addressed with immediate effect," Chidora said, noting that the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure poses daily risks to workers and commuters alike.
While Harare's city center has seen some improvement in waste management, particularly with the installation of bins outside shops, uncollected garbage remains a pressing issue at various public transport hubs. Efforts to reach Harare City Council spokesperson Mr. Stanley Gama for comment were unsuccessful.
Residents and transport operators now await urgent action from the council to address the hazardous waste and sanitation issues threatening public health at the city's busiest terminuses.
During a visit to Market Square rank yesterday, piles of garbage were seen scattered across the area, while sewage gushed from manholes, creating an unbearable stench and raising the risk of disease outbreaks. A similar situation was observed at the Charge Office bus terminus, where council workers attempted - though unsuccessfully - to clear the waste upon noticing a photographer from The Herald.
Mr. Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe, chairman of the Harare Youth Transporters Association (HAYTA), expressed outrage over what he described as a "health time bomb" in the city's transit areas. "This is actually a health hazard for everyone who uses the rank; drivers, conductors, vendors, and commuters, among others. This can lead to an outbreak of diseases like typhoid and cholera," he warned.
Market Square bus conductor Mr. Ben Chidora urged the council to increase the number of large skip bins in these high-traffic areas to better manage waste. "We also have raw sewage flowing which is a health hazard and must be addressed with immediate effect," Chidora said, noting that the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure poses daily risks to workers and commuters alike.
While Harare's city center has seen some improvement in waste management, particularly with the installation of bins outside shops, uncollected garbage remains a pressing issue at various public transport hubs. Efforts to reach Harare City Council spokesperson Mr. Stanley Gama for comment were unsuccessful.
Residents and transport operators now await urgent action from the council to address the hazardous waste and sanitation issues threatening public health at the city's busiest terminuses.
Source - The Herald
