News / National
Bulawayo's Trenance landfill relocation
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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has revealed that relocating the Trenance landfill site would require over US$1.8 million. However, city officials argue that such a move may be unnecessary, citing minimal impact on residents and the risk of replicating current challenges at a new location.
Despite health concerns raised by residents near the landfill, City Health Director Dr. Edwin Mzingwane has proposed an alternative: maintaining the existing site and acquiring critical machinery for US$950,000—nearly half the cost of relocation.
"Residents have not felt significant impacts from past landfill sites in residential areas. Previously, these sites were equipped with duplicate machinery, ensuring efficiency," Dr. Mzingwane explained.
The Trenance landfill, Bulawayo's fourth, currently operates without functional equipment, leading to inefficiencies. Dr. Mzingwane emphasized the need to focus on waste recycling and re-use, which could dramatically reduce landfill waste. "With optimal recycling and re-use, only five percent of collected waste would need to be deposited," he said.
Councillors believe the most sustainable solution lies in a waste-to-energy project. The landfill, receiving 120 tonnes of waste daily, could serve as a resource for generating electricity.
BCC Chamber Secretary Mrs. Sikhangele Zhou confirmed that the council has approached the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) to expedite the hiring of machinery to address the landfill's immediate challenges.
Twelve companies have expressed interest in the waste-to-energy initiative, which aligns with national goals for environmental sustainability and economic development. The project could mitigate health and environmental risks while creating jobs and producing electricity.
Residents from suburbs like Richmond and Cowdray Park have repeatedly voiced concerns over the landfill's stench, smoke, and health risks. Fires at the site frequently exacerbate air and water pollution.
The proposed waste-to-energy project is seen as a long-term solution to these issues. Stakeholders are urging the council to fast-track contract awards to prevent further environmental and health hazards posed by the Richmond landfill, locally known as Ngozi Mine.
The initiative represents a significant step toward transforming Bulawayo's waste management system and achieving environmental sustainability goals.
Despite health concerns raised by residents near the landfill, City Health Director Dr. Edwin Mzingwane has proposed an alternative: maintaining the existing site and acquiring critical machinery for US$950,000—nearly half the cost of relocation.
"Residents have not felt significant impacts from past landfill sites in residential areas. Previously, these sites were equipped with duplicate machinery, ensuring efficiency," Dr. Mzingwane explained.
The Trenance landfill, Bulawayo's fourth, currently operates without functional equipment, leading to inefficiencies. Dr. Mzingwane emphasized the need to focus on waste recycling and re-use, which could dramatically reduce landfill waste. "With optimal recycling and re-use, only five percent of collected waste would need to be deposited," he said.
Councillors believe the most sustainable solution lies in a waste-to-energy project. The landfill, receiving 120 tonnes of waste daily, could serve as a resource for generating electricity.
Twelve companies have expressed interest in the waste-to-energy initiative, which aligns with national goals for environmental sustainability and economic development. The project could mitigate health and environmental risks while creating jobs and producing electricity.
Residents from suburbs like Richmond and Cowdray Park have repeatedly voiced concerns over the landfill's stench, smoke, and health risks. Fires at the site frequently exacerbate air and water pollution.
The proposed waste-to-energy project is seen as a long-term solution to these issues. Stakeholders are urging the council to fast-track contract awards to prevent further environmental and health hazards posed by the Richmond landfill, locally known as Ngozi Mine.
The initiative represents a significant step toward transforming Bulawayo's waste management system and achieving environmental sustainability goals.
Source - the chronicle
