Bulawayo moves to ban firewood braais at food outlets

THE smoky aroma of roasting meat that has long defined Bulawayo's vibrant braai culture could soon disappear after the City Council endorsed a policy banning the use of firewood-fuelled braais at commercial food outlets.

The proposed regulations are expected to significantly reshape the city's popular braai industry, forcing operators to abandon traditional open-fire grilling methods in favour of gas, charcoal or electric equipment.

For many small braai businesses, particularly informal operators, the move could bring major financial strain at a time when businesses are already grappling with economic challenges.

Most braai spots across the city rely heavily on open firewood grills, which customers favour for the distinctive smoky flavour associated with township braais. Under the new policy, operators will be required to upgrade infrastructure and comply with strict health and safety standards set by the local authority.

The transition is expected to involve significant costs, including replacing braai stands, installing compliant cooking facilities and meeting new council licensing and registration requirements.

Some operators fear the costs could force smaller businesses out of the market altogether.

However, health and environmental experts say the proposed measures could yield substantial public health and environmental benefits.

Studies have linked smoke from burning firewood to harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, all of which are associated with respiratory illnesses including asthma, bronchitis and chronic lung diseases.

Environmentalists have also raised concerns over deforestation and worsening air pollution caused by widespread firewood use in densely populated urban areas.

According to the policy prepared by the city's Health Services Department, the regulations are intended to improve food safety standards while reducing environmental, health and fire hazards linked to the growing number of braai operations.

"The City of Bulawayo, through the Health Services Department, is mandated to ensure that food articles are wholesome and free from disease and that adequate measures are taken to guard against any infection or contamination of such food articles," reads part of the policy.

"The proliferation of braaiing activities has brought about a form of food handling and preparation that has to be guided and regulated to protect the health of the residents and visitors of the city."

The policy will apply to restaurants, takeaways, sports clubs, social clubs, beer halls, nature reserves and other recreational facilities preparing food for the public.

Under the proposed rules, all braai operators will be required to secure council approvals before commencing operations, including town planning clearance, approved building plans, fire clearance and occupation certificates.

Operators will also be required to obtain a separate certificate of registration specifically for braai activities.

The city has proposed extensive infrastructure requirements for braai areas, including a minimum braai space of 20 square metres and a sitting area of at least 10 square metres.

Braai facilities would also need washable floors and walls, stainless steel working tables, cutting boards, running water, hand-washing stations and separate toilets for staff and patrons.

In addition, braai stands or fireplaces would have to be positioned at least 2.4 metres away from walls or boundaries.

Under the new fire safety rules, combustible materials will not be permitted within three metres of braai stands, while operators will be required to ensure fires are fully extinguished after use.

"The sources of fuel to be used are gas, electrical grill and charcoal for braai stands. Use of firewood is prohibited," the policy states.

"The operation should provide firefighting equipment as recommended by the Chief Fire Officer and further the use of fire accelerants for lighting brazier grills is prohibited."

The policy also prohibits operators from disposing of ashes in refuse bins, requiring them instead to transport ashes to landfill sites at their own expense.

City authorities say the regulations were crafted in line with the Public Health Act, the Bulawayo Registration of Premises By-laws and other relevant public health regulations.