Litter bin shortage hits Bulawayo

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has sounded the alarm over a severe shortage of litter bins across the city, warning that the scarcity is contributing to rampant littering and deteriorating waste management in both residential and commercial areas.

During a recent full council meeting, councillors expressed growing concern about the state of cleanliness in the city. In response, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart acknowledged the problem and stressed the urgent need to increase the number of bins available to the public.

"We need more litter bins around the city. This will help curb the increasing problem of littering which is becoming a serious threat to public health and the environment," said Clr Coltart.

The Mayor appealed to the corporate sector to support the city's anti-littering drive by donating litter bins to be strategically placed in busy areas.

"This is a community-wide challenge, and we need companies and organisations to come on board and support our efforts. Every donated bin makes a difference," he said.

Clr Coltart also proposed the local production of litter bins as a sustainable solution to the shortage, saying it could create job opportunities, especially for unemployed youth.

"We can look at manufacturing our own bins locally, which not only addresses the shortage but also opens up avenues for employment and skills development," he added.

He further raised concern about the increasing volume of plastic waste choking the city's streets and drainage systems, urging residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits.

The Council's concerns come at a time when Bulawayo is striving to maintain its status as one of Zimbabwe's cleanest cities amid rising urbanisation and waste generation.