Bulawayo receives 8 brand new refuse compactors

The City of Bulawayo on Friday received eight refuse compactors from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works under a 12-month contract arrangement, marking a major boost to the city's ongoing efforts to improve waste management and cleanliness.

The new fleet arrives at a critical time, as the city has been facing persistent challenges in refuse collection, particularly in the eastern suburbs, due to mechanical breakdowns of existing compactors. Currently, the council has only been operating with four functional compactors, while another four are undergoing servicing and 11 more are under repair.

City officials say the additional compactors will significantly ease the burden on the local authority's waste management operations. For Bulawayo to effectively service all residential and industrial areas, the council requires a total of 25 compactors in full operation.

The compactors, which were delivered from Harare mid-afternoon, were received by the city's Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu. He was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Finance and Development Committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo; Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Octavious Dumisani Nkomo; the Chairperson of the Business and Investment Committee, Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu; Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube; and the Chief Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Ms Khonzani Ncube.

Speaking at the handover, city officials expressed appreciation to the Ministry for responding to Bulawayo's long-standing request for support in its waste management programme. The move is expected to improve refuse collection efficiency and enhance environmental health across the city.

The City of Bulawayo has in recent months intensified efforts to restore its status as one of Zimbabwe's cleanest urban centres, with emphasis on fleet rehabilitation, community clean-up campaigns, and improved service delivery.