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Bulawayo suburbs marred with illegal dumpsites
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
October 21, 2011

Residents from Bulawayo's 29 wards have expressed disappointment towards the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) for its continued failure to deliver its services diligently. Most high-density suburbs are marred with illegal dumpsites due to the fact that the city council is failing to collect refuse frequently and efficiently. Most residents are therefore forced to keep rubbish heaped in their yards. As the heaps grow bigger residents then resort to dumping the refuse in bushes or trenches around the suburb. While there is a fine for embarking on environmentally unfriendly activities like dumping refuse on undesignated places in residential areas, policing on the ground is minimal, hence the proliferation of rubbish dumps in residential areas. This is an imminent health hazard especially considering that the rainy season has just started. Cholera, a scourge that has previously hit the country, could strike again. Residents also complained that the city council was giving ground for multiple problems to occur. If the people get any form of infection, as a result of the BCC's failure to deliver, clinics will fail to cater for them as well because they are under capacitated. The city council has been urged to revise its priorities and focus on what matters most to the people. Residents are aware that the council claims to have three refuse collection vehicles yet it still fails to improve refuse collection.

Maintenance of the natural habitat should be a priority

Residents from Mahatshula medium density suburb in Ward 3 that took part in BPRA's inaugural tree planting day commemorations that were held in May 2011 have reported that the trees they planted have only been watered twice in the past four months. On the day of the commemorations it was stated that the city council employees in the various wards that took part in the commemorations would be responsible for watering the trees using council mobile bowsers. Residents said they only witnessed the watering on two occasions. The residents have stressed that the local authority should communicate with residents on a regular basis so that residents are well versed with critical issues of service delivery in their area - issues such as that of provision of resources for maintenance of recreational facilities such as parks and soccer pitches. The residents suggested that BCC should drill a borehole that will provide water to the residents in the area. The same borehole could be used to water the wilting trees that were planted in May 2011. Bulawayo has been hard hit by deforestation as residents fetch firewood as a substitute for electricity on a daily basis. Due to this, it is important for the city fathers to proactively take part in initiatives aimed at restoring the environment. BPRA believes that maintenance of the environment is a critical component of sustainable development, hence its commemoration of World Environment Day in May 2011.

Parasite infested areas need urgent attention

Nkulumane residents have stated that BCC should, as part of its budget priorities, consider procuring pesticides. The suburb has a number of streams that are known to be breeding ground for parasites. Residents have therefore appealed to the city council to see to the provision of pesticides before the rainy season begins. Residents have said that this is not the season for cutting grass but the only option available to curb the challenge facing them is to spray well in time before mosquitos and other such parasites infest residential areas. BPRA ward secretaries for health have previously conducted clean up campaigns in the city and in some instances paid particular attention to specific worst affected areas. Considering the importance of maintaining cleanliness and avoiding health hazards, residents have said that they will dedicate their time to spraying worst affected areas if the municipality or other willing organisations provide the necessary equipment and pesticides. It is on record that residents have volunteered to work with various organisations, like as BPRA, Zimbabwe Democracy and Development Trust (ZDDT) and World Vision to name a few, for the betterment of the community.

Visit the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association fact sheet

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