Mayor Coltart urges clean-up drive ahead of ZITF 2026

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has called on residents to intensify efforts to restore the city's cleanliness as it prepares to host the 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

Once celebrated as the "City of Kings" for its spotless streets and well-maintained surroundings, Bulawayo has in recent years experienced a decline in hygiene standards, with illegal dumping and littering becoming increasingly prevalent.

Coltart said the month of April is critical for the city, as it gears up to welcome local and international visitors for the prestigious trade showcase.

"It is vital that we present our best possible face to the world and nation," he said, urging a united approach involving councillors, city officials, and residents.

The mayor emphasised that maintaining cleanliness should not rest solely on municipal authorities, but requires active participation from all residents in their respective communities.

Echoing the call, Bulawayo Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube said community involvement is essential to restoring the city's reputation.

"We cannot run away from the fact that everybody has a role to play in making sure our city is clean," Dube said.

He pointed to littering as a major challenge, noting that some residents continue to dispose of waste irresponsibly even after council-led clean-up campaigns.

The appeal comes amid rising concern over accumulating waste in both the central business district and residential suburbs, with authorities warning that failure to address the issue could tarnish the city's image during one of Zimbabwe's biggest economic events.