BCC must address illegal livestock keeping in residential areas

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has been urged to take urgent action against the growing trend of residents keeping livestock such as goats and pigs within their residential properties, particularly in the city's low-density suburbs.

Although some homeowners argue that the larger stands in these areas provide enough space for such practices, city regulations clearly prohibit the keeping of livestock in residential zones due to the health, environmental and social risks involved.

The practice has become a growing concern, with residents complaining of unpleasant odours, noise pollution and an increase in disease risks linked to poorly managed animal waste. Health experts warn that the proximity of livestock to human dwellings can facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases, while environmentalists caution that animal waste can lead to soil contamination and water pollution.

"Keeping animals like pigs and goats in residential areas undermines the peaceful environment expected in these suburbs," said one concerned resident from Burnside. "We wake up to unbearable smells and noise every morning. It's unfair to law-abiding homeowners."

Urban planners and health authorities note that such practices also pose broader challenges to urban management. They argue that if left unchecked, this could erode the standards of living that distinguish Bulawayo's residential suburbs.

City by-laws stipulate that livestock should only be kept in designated agricultural or peri-urban areas under regulated conditions. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing some residents to continue keeping animals within city limits without consequences.

Observers say the Bulawayo City Council must now intensify enforcement by conducting regular inspections, raising public awareness about the dangers of illegal livestock keeping and imposing penalties on offenders.

"Bulawayo has worked hard to maintain its reputation as one of Zimbabwe's cleanest and most orderly cities," said a local environmental officer. "Allowing livestock to roam or be kept in suburban yards undermines that progress and poses serious health hazards."

Residents are calling on the council to prioritise the issue and preserve the character of the city's suburbs before the problem worsens.

As the city continues to grow, authorities face the challenge of balancing urban development with responsible animal husbandry practices. Effective enforcement and community cooperation will be essential in ensuring that Bulawayo remains a clean, safe and peaceful urban environment for all.