'Bulawayo looking like a growth point'

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has raised alarm over the worsening state of urban cleanliness and the sharp rise in illegal street vending, which has begun spreading from the central business district (CBD) into residential neighbourhoods.

Speaking during a full council meeting, Councillor Siboniso Moyo described the situation as chaotic and deeply concerning, citing growing sanitation risks and the breakdown of public order.

"You will find someone selling sadza and chips, and right next to them, someone plaiting hair or engaging in alcohol-related activities. It's beginning to look like a growth point," she said. "What has happened to Bulawayo? It's really embarrassing. Wherever you go, you'll find plastics scattered everywhere, even on the roads. There's no longer any order."

Moyo lamented the deterioration of the city's once-pristine image and warned that the lack of enforcement and waste management was contributing to a public health crisis.

"The dirt and rubbish are now getting out of hand. People are doing as they please, and I believe law enforcement is lacking because some of these people don't even have licences. They basically do what they want, and by doing this, they spread diseases and put the public at risk," she added.

Moyo cited a visit to a local market where she witnessed food being sold next to a pile of uncollected rubbish as a stark example of the urgent need for intervention. "Improper disposal is making our city look very dirty. If we go into the neighbourhoods, especially in the evenings, we would be shocked at what is happening."

Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu called for greater civic responsibility, urging residents to take ownership of their surroundings.

"We should encourage residents to practice cleanliness. As policymakers, let's encourage residents to be smart. Let's also ask those who order second-hand clothes from outside Bulawayo to first boil them before they take them to the market," Ndlovu said.

Mayor David Coltart acknowledged the scale of the problem and emphasised the need to create functional, well-equipped marketplaces as alternatives to informal vending zones.

"We cannot be seen waving the stick without providing carrots for vendors. Vendors did not ask to be placed in the position they are in, and we have to provide attractive alternatives for them," Coltart said.

While noting that progress has been made in market development plans, Coltart highlighted delays, particularly at the Egodini Mall site.

"It is a crying shame that Egodini is floundering, and we urge management to act with all speed to ensure we get that underway again, by whatever lawful means possible," he said. He added that the successful development of Bhakta's Market should serve as a model to accelerate similar projects across the city.

Coltart stressed that new marketplaces must include key infrastructure such as roofing, clean floors, solar energy, running water, and sanitation facilities to ensure sustainability and attract traders.

"We've seen the basic ingredients at places like Mbare Musika. We need clean, covered spaces, smooth floors, solar power, and access to water and toilets. Those are the fundamentals if we want to create dignified trading environments," he said.

As Bulawayo continues to battle the pressures of urbanisation, informal trading, and poor waste management, city leaders are now calling for a coordinated, urgent response to restore order and dignity to the urban landscape.