BCC proposes forex fines for illegal dumping of waste

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is contemplating a policy requiring fines for illegal dumping to be paid in foreign currency, in a bid to curb the growing problem of environmental pollution and to enhance the city's cleanliness. The proposed initiative is part of a wider strategy to enforce environmental management standards and improve service delivery to residents.

The move, which is pending approval from the Government, underscores the council's commitment to addressing the ongoing issue of illegal dumping, which has become a significant public health and safety concern in the city.

In the latest council report, officials highlighted that the security guards employed by the local authority lacked arresting powers, which had hindered effective enforcement. As a result, the council is considering pegging fines in foreign currency, particularly the United States dollar, as a deterrent to offenders. The proposal is seen as a way to ensure more effective collection of fines and a more serious approach to tackling environmental violations.

"The city legal officer explained that the council was finalizing the recruitment of security guards to assist in the enforcement of by-laws," the report stated. "The challenge is that the council currently has no arresting powers and can only fine up to level three, whereas the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) can impose higher fines."

The report further indicated that the illegal refuse dumping by-laws were being reviewed and updated to include foreign currency fines, which are among several by-laws awaiting approval from the Central Government. Additionally, the council is lobbying for the establishment of municipal courts and the granting of arresting powers to better address environmental violations.

The council's focus on the city's Central Business District (CBD) was also highlighted, where the situation has reportedly worsened. The city is experiencing illegal activities such as illegal vending, unauthorized passenger pickups, and illegal foreign currency dealings, particularly along key streets like 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue, Leopold Takawira, and Hebert Chitepo Street. The report noted that significant enforcement action is needed in these areas.

"Illegal activities in the CBD are continuing to escalate, and the situation is very bad. The council is considering engaging other law enforcement agents to assist in the enforcement of by-laws," the report stated.

In a recent crackdown, nine motorists were apprehended for illegally dumping waste in open spaces across the city. These motorists were tracked through public photos and subsequently fined for their offenses.

Despite efforts to tackle the issue, the report highlighted ongoing challenges with illegal vending, particularly in areas that remain dirty and prone to littering. The community truckers, responsible for waste collection, were also found to be contributing to the problem by failing to properly manage refuse falling from their moving trucks.

The report emphasized the need for improved public relations and better management of waste collection operations, as well as improvements to the city's landfill sites. The council is also looking into engaging private contractors to help improve waste management systems.

Councillor Susan Sithole raised concerns during the meeting about the growing amount of old electrical items being dumped in bushy areas, which had not been collected by community truckers. She also expressed doubts about the evidence required to effectively prosecute individuals for illegal littering or dumping.

While the council has recruited more security personnel to boost enforcement, further improvements are expected in the coming months. The city authorities are urging residents to play their part in maintaining a cleaner environment and to report illegal activities promptly.

As the city continues to grapple with these issues, the introduction of foreign currency fines and strengthened enforcement mechanisms are expected to play a key role in curbing illegal dumping and ensuring that Bulawayo remains a cleaner, safer place for all.