RESIDENTS of Gweru’s Woodlands Suburb Phase 2 have petitioned newly appointed Midlands Provincials Affairs minister, Owen Ncube, complaining against the health risks posed by a nearby dumpsite.
Masvingo Mirror
The letter was copied to the Environment Management Agency (EMA) and Gweru mayor, Charles Chikozho by Woodlands Phase 2 Residents’ Association secretary-general, Obert Rupanga.
The residents complained that they bought stands near the dumpsite from River Valley Properties, a private company, on the understanding that the dumpsite would be relocated within six months.
However, Woodlands Housing Scheme was condemned by EMA and Gweru City Council because the private developers of the project had embarked on it without approval from the two authorities, hence, its poor siting next to a dumpsite. Experts have said that residents will have to fork out not less than $6 million for the relocation of the dumpsite.
River Ranch proprietor, Smelly Dube was close to the former First Family and in particular, Grace Mugabe. She built a house at Woodlands and donated it to the former President.
Efforts to get a comment from Ncube were fruitless, as he said he needed some time before he could respond to questions.
Chikozho said residents should not blame council for the situation, but seek to work with the local authority to find a solution.
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Efforts to get a comment from EMA spokesperson, Simon Musasiwa were fruitless, as his mobile was not reachable.
The residents complained of heavy smoke from the dumpsite, as there are always raging fires. There are also waste skins disposed by a large shoe manufacturing company in Gweru that are raising a heavy stink.
Residents are afraid they might contract airborne diseases.
