Govt Warns BCC Over Waste

State media reports allege that illegal dumpsites are mushrooming across Bulawayo as the city fails to provide consistent refuse collection, a situation described as a “public health time bomb.”

The reports come shortly after the Government gazetted Statutory Instrument 170 of 2025, which sets minimum service delivery standards for all local authorities.

The regulations require councils to collect garbage at least once per week,maintain clean public spaces, and attend to service delivery complaints within 48 hours.

However, in Bulawayo, residents interviewed by State media say rubbish has gone uncollected for weeks, leading to piles of waste along streets, near schools and marketplaces.

Health experts warn that the waste poses a serious risk for outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and diarrhoeal diseases.

“Children are playing next to dumps. We are afraid disease will break out,” one Mzilikazi resident told a State-run news crew.

Coltart silent on questions

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart was sent written questions by Hurumende News Hub regarding the city’s alleged violation of the new waste-management standards.

He had not responded by the time of publication.

Harare seeks partnerships to comply with regulations

In contrast, Harare City Council says it is implementing measures to meet the same statutory requirements.

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed that the city is leveraging partnerships to stabilize refuse collection and improve waste management.

He cited the ongoing partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management, a private entity working with the City of Harare under a waste-management contract backed by businessman Delish Nguwaya.

According to council officials, refuse collection is now being done on schedule and waste-sorting procedures at Pomona have reportedly improved efficiency.

Harare has also secured additional investment toward upgrading water systems.

The council recently signed a deal with Helcraw Investments to rehabilitate and expand water infrastructure, part of efforts to address chronic water shortages.

Government pushes for compliance

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has urged all councils to align operations with Statutory Instrument 170 of 2025, saying local authorities must be “on the right side of the law” and prioritize service delivery over politics.

“Communities deserve clean water, functioning waste collection and safe environments,” Garwe said at a recent briefing.

“Failure to comply will not be tolerated.”

As Bulawayo residents continue to live next to growing mounds of uncollected garbage, pressure mounts on the city council to take immediate action or face consequences under the new regulations.