Bulawayo needs US$40,000 to repair refuse trucks

The Bulawayo City Council has revealed it requires approximately US$38,900 to repair 13 broken-down refuse compactor trucks, a critical factor contributing to ongoing challenges in waste collection across the city. This information emerged during recent council meetings after councillor Ntando Ndlovu requested updates on refuse collection and the tendering process related to the Ngozi Mine landfill.

Mayor David Coltart confirmed that the breakdown of the 13 refuse compactors has severely hampered waste management efforts. "The superintendent responsible for cleansing had reported that the trucks required US$38,900 to be repaired," Coltart stated, urging council management to prioritise the repairs as an immediate necessity.

In response to concerns over procurement delays, Coltart proposed inviting the CEO of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) to meet with councillors and discuss the impact of these delays on service delivery. The proposal was unanimously supported by council members.

Town clerk Christopher Dube provided further context, revealing that the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) no longer accepts unsolicited bids, a policy shift that complicates the council's ability to innovate. Dube expressed concerns that this change might hinder projects such as the waste-to-energy bids, which the council had previously submitted but were rejected by ZIDA, with instructions to instead follow an open advertisement process.

On the issue of Ngozi Mine  -  the site of ongoing landfill fires severely affecting residents in Cowdray Park  -  Dube explained that redoing tender bids could be done through either an expression of interest or a formal tender process. He suggested appointing a contractor similar to the one managing Harare's Pomona landfill to effectively handle Ngozi Mine operations.

The town clerk warned that the new procurement requirements would likely delay awarding contracts by three to four months, potentially prolonging the environmental and health impacts on affected communities.

In light of these challenges, the council resolved to urgently allocate funds for repairing the refuse compactors, accelerate procurement for bin production, and strengthen partnerships with private entities to address resource shortfalls.

Earlier in April, Bulawayo commissioned refuse compactor trucks valued at US$602,400 to bolster waste collection efforts, yet officials estimate the city still needs an additional 17 refuse trucks at an estimated cost of US$2.56 million to fully meet demand.

Beyond tackling waste management issues, the city council is also focusing on streamlining bureaucratic procedures to improve service delivery and attract investment, aiming to enhance Bulawayo's economic and environmental sustainability.