Bulawayo singled out as litter hotspot in explosive Parliament clash

A routine question on government policy to curb plastic littering descended into drama in Parliament last week after the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife urged legislators to "educate our people, especially in Bulawayo" — a comment that led to the ejection of an opposition MP from the House.

The exchange unfolded during question time when Tendeukai Matara, a Proportional Representation MP for Masvingo, asked the minister to outline government policy on controlling plastic waste, citing its economic and environmental impact.

Responding, Environment Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu acknowledged that plastic littering had become widespread across the country and warned of its harmful effects on ecosystems and livestock.

"Plastic littering is prevalent in the country and the last time I spoke here, I also raised concerns about littering by all of us," she said.

"The majority of our people are littering, yet they are actually aware that plastic littering is damaging our environment. It also damages our livestock because if they eat that plastic, most of them die."

Dr Ndlovu brought a reusable flask into the chamber as a prop, arguing that behaviour change was central to tackling the crisis.

"I am carrying this flask to this Honourable House to demonstrate to all of us that, if only Parliament could put up a container outside, we can only stop littering if we do not use these plastic bottles and we use containers," she said.

She noted that Zimbabwe currently lacks sufficient production of thin, biodegradable plastics and remains reliant on hard plastics.

"Unfortunately, we do not have enough thinner plastics that are disposable, that can easily dissolve. We still have hard plastics as a country and we are working towards banning them to make sure that littering is stopped," she said.

However, it was her call for targeted civic education that sparked uproar.

"We must educate our people on the dangers of plastics. We must, as Hon. Members of Parliament, educate our people, especially in Bulawayo," Dr Ndlovu said.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, often carries symbolic and political weight in national discourse. The city has in recent months grappled with mounting litter, including plastic waste that has blocked waterways and contributed to flooding during heavy rains.

The reference immediately drew a point of order from Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu, who argued the minister had unfairly singled out one city when the question related to national policy.

"My point of order is the Hon. Minister must withdraw where she said Bulawayo because when we ask questions, we are asking Government policy and not asking her to accuse one city of littering," Matewu said.

He insisted the minister should focus on outlining policy rather than directing MPs to address residents of a specific urban centre.

"She must simply state what Government policy is towards littering and not tell us Hon. Members to go to Bulawayo and tell residents to stop littering," Matewu said, adding that Dr Ndlovu's response was "not in tandem with someone who is at the level of a Cabinet Minister."

The Temporary Speaker immediately intervened, ruling Matewu out of order and instructing him to withdraw his statement.

"You cannot say she is not ministerial material," the Temporary Speaker said.

Matewu refused to withdraw his remark unless the minister retracted her reference to Bulawayo.

"I will only withdraw if she withdraws what she said about Bulawayo," he responded.

He was subsequently ordered to leave the chamber and escorted out by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

"I needed your protection. Thank you very much for protecting me," Dr Ndlovu told the Temporary Speaker after order was restored, before continuing her response.

She reiterated that government policy aims to phase out environmentally harmful plastics and promote biodegradable alternatives. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA), she said, is spearheading nationwide public education campaigns and recycling initiatives.

"We are planning to phase out plastics and introduce lighter plastics, which are biodegradable," she said.

"We are working on that programme to bring new types of equipment that will produce plastic that is user-friendly to our environment."

In response to a supplementary question on holding large plastic producers and retailers accountable, the minister said her ministry has engaged companies to adopt cleaner technologies.

"We have asked companies like retail stores and plastic generators to come and meet with us to discuss their plans to phase out non-degradable plastics and bring in new equipment," she said.

She added that bottle manufacturers have shown cooperation in meetings aimed at transitioning to biodegradable production methods, noting that engagements on technological upgrades began during her previous tenure as Resident Minister in Matabeleland South.

Responding to another question on public education, Dr Ndlovu said the programme had already been rolled out.

"We have started teaching people on the dangers of plastics to our wildlife and we have also been engaging companies which are producing plastics so that they change the technology that they are using and embrace bio-degradable technology," she said.

As part of the behavioural shift she advocates, the minister proposed practical steps within Parliament itself.

"As a Ministry, we are also teaching people to use flasks in order to eliminate use of plastics," she said.

"We are going to engage Parliament to put water canisters and people can use their flasks to get water and eliminate plastics in this House."

Zimbabwe continues to wrestle with mounting plastic waste, from discarded beverage bottles to single-use packaging clogging drainage systems and grazing lands. Environmental advocates warn that without stronger enforcement, sustained public education and corporate accountability, the country risks long-term ecological damage.