News / National
BCC collects US$2,000 in environment fines
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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has collected more than US$2,600 from environmental fines while still being owed over US$3,300, according to a new report from the council's Parks Section detailing intensified operations against environmental violations.
The report, presented by the Director of Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, outlined extensive efforts to curb illegal activities such as gold panning, sand poaching, wood harvesting, and the illegal sale of gas.
Khumalo said degradation of key water catchment areas had prompted joint patrols involving BCC rangers, Esigodini police, and other stakeholders. The report confirmed the arrest of seven illegal gold panners, bringing the total number of arrests since January to 23. A total of 49 tools-including two metal detectors-were confiscated and handed over to police.
"During the month under review, 86 surveillance patrols were conducted, bringing the cumulative number to 420 since the start of the year," the report stated.
In operations targeting sand poaching and wood harvesting, five trucks were impounded for extracting sand without permission. Additionally, 61 environmental tickets were issued, with 36 offenders having paid fines amounting to US$2,623.88. However, 25 tickets remain unpaid, valued at US$3,346.39.
On April 12, BCC rangers, in collaboration with police and local farmers, conducted an anti-wood poaching blitz that resulted in the impounding of five trucks, one van, a Honda Fit, and five scotch carts.
In a separate operation on April 30, BCC rangers teamed up with the city's fire brigade to crack down on illegal gas dealers. The exercise led to the confiscation of 22 gas scales for violating environmental safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the council reported that 25 trucks collected pit sand from two designated extraction sites, generating US$290 in revenue. However, the report noted the need for urgent road repairs leading to the extraction sites to boost revenue and prevent illegal digging.
The report also highlighted the growing nuisance posed by stray donkeys in suburban areas such as Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Magwegwe North, especially near peri-urban fringes.
"The Land Inspectorate Department remains severely incapacitated in dealing with the issue due to transport challenges, as the rangers' utility truck is still held up at the workshop," the report added.
City officials are calling for improved logistical support and coordination between departments to enhance enforcement and protect Bulawayo's fragile environment from further degradation.
The report, presented by the Director of Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, outlined extensive efforts to curb illegal activities such as gold panning, sand poaching, wood harvesting, and the illegal sale of gas.
Khumalo said degradation of key water catchment areas had prompted joint patrols involving BCC rangers, Esigodini police, and other stakeholders. The report confirmed the arrest of seven illegal gold panners, bringing the total number of arrests since January to 23. A total of 49 tools-including two metal detectors-were confiscated and handed over to police.
"During the month under review, 86 surveillance patrols were conducted, bringing the cumulative number to 420 since the start of the year," the report stated.
In operations targeting sand poaching and wood harvesting, five trucks were impounded for extracting sand without permission. Additionally, 61 environmental tickets were issued, with 36 offenders having paid fines amounting to US$2,623.88. However, 25 tickets remain unpaid, valued at US$3,346.39.
On April 12, BCC rangers, in collaboration with police and local farmers, conducted an anti-wood poaching blitz that resulted in the impounding of five trucks, one van, a Honda Fit, and five scotch carts.
In a separate operation on April 30, BCC rangers teamed up with the city's fire brigade to crack down on illegal gas dealers. The exercise led to the confiscation of 22 gas scales for violating environmental safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the council reported that 25 trucks collected pit sand from two designated extraction sites, generating US$290 in revenue. However, the report noted the need for urgent road repairs leading to the extraction sites to boost revenue and prevent illegal digging.
The report also highlighted the growing nuisance posed by stray donkeys in suburban areas such as Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Magwegwe North, especially near peri-urban fringes.
"The Land Inspectorate Department remains severely incapacitated in dealing with the issue due to transport challenges, as the rangers' utility truck is still held up at the workshop," the report added.
City officials are calling for improved logistical support and coordination between departments to enhance enforcement and protect Bulawayo's fragile environment from further degradation.
Source - Southern Eye
