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BCC mulls tougher penalties as litterbugs cause havoc
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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is considering introducing stiffer penalties to curb rampant illegal waste disposal, as the city grapples with a growing number of illegal dumpsites and a crippled refuse collection fleet.
According to the latest council minutes, health services director Dr. Edwin Sibanda raised the alarm over the persistent challenge of littering and uncontrolled dumping, urging the local authority to adopt tougher deterrent measures.
"Illegal waste disposal and dumping around the city had remained a challenge to be addressed through behaviour change, awareness campaigns and stiffer penalties," the minutes noted.
Sibanda also revealed that the city's waste collection system is under severe strain, with ailing refuse compactors constantly breaking down, leaving vast sections of Bulawayo unserviced.
"The community refuse collection programme is serviced by an average of seven compactors each day, at times dropping to five per day," he said.
He pointed out that the eastern suburbs are particularly affected, with BCC trucks often failing to complete daily routes due to persistent mechanical issues.
Healthcare waste collection, which requires special handling, has also been disrupted. "The truck dedicated to that purpose is grounded due to a mechanical fault. Nevertheless, a supervisory van has been assigned to cover the duties," Sibanda added.
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart recently disclosed that the city needs at least US$38,000 to repair its entire fleet of refuse collection vehicles and restore effective waste management.
"This city cannot function properly if we cannot collect waste efficiently. We urgently need to get our fleet into shape," Coltart said last month.
Earlier this year, council commissioned new refuse compactor trucks valued at US$602,400 to boost waste collection capacity and maintain cleanliness. Despite this, council officials say Bulawayo still requires 17 more refuse trucks at an estimated cost of US$2.56 million.
The rise in illegal dumping poses serious environmental and health risks, especially as uncollected garbage becomes a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests and contributes to water and air pollution.
Council insiders say without substantial fleet investment and community cooperation, the situation could deteriorate further, especially during the upcoming rainy season.
BCC is expected to consult stakeholders before finalising any new penalties, which could include fines and prosecution for offenders.
The local authority continues to urge residents to cooperate with its waste management programme by using designated collection points and reporting illegal dumping.
According to the latest council minutes, health services director Dr. Edwin Sibanda raised the alarm over the persistent challenge of littering and uncontrolled dumping, urging the local authority to adopt tougher deterrent measures.
"Illegal waste disposal and dumping around the city had remained a challenge to be addressed through behaviour change, awareness campaigns and stiffer penalties," the minutes noted.
Sibanda also revealed that the city's waste collection system is under severe strain, with ailing refuse compactors constantly breaking down, leaving vast sections of Bulawayo unserviced.
"The community refuse collection programme is serviced by an average of seven compactors each day, at times dropping to five per day," he said.
He pointed out that the eastern suburbs are particularly affected, with BCC trucks often failing to complete daily routes due to persistent mechanical issues.
Healthcare waste collection, which requires special handling, has also been disrupted. "The truck dedicated to that purpose is grounded due to a mechanical fault. Nevertheless, a supervisory van has been assigned to cover the duties," Sibanda added.
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart recently disclosed that the city needs at least US$38,000 to repair its entire fleet of refuse collection vehicles and restore effective waste management.
"This city cannot function properly if we cannot collect waste efficiently. We urgently need to get our fleet into shape," Coltart said last month.
Earlier this year, council commissioned new refuse compactor trucks valued at US$602,400 to boost waste collection capacity and maintain cleanliness. Despite this, council officials say Bulawayo still requires 17 more refuse trucks at an estimated cost of US$2.56 million.
The rise in illegal dumping poses serious environmental and health risks, especially as uncollected garbage becomes a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests and contributes to water and air pollution.
Council insiders say without substantial fleet investment and community cooperation, the situation could deteriorate further, especially during the upcoming rainy season.
BCC is expected to consult stakeholders before finalising any new penalties, which could include fines and prosecution for offenders.
The local authority continues to urge residents to cooperate with its waste management programme by using designated collection points and reporting illegal dumping.
Source - southern eye
