Bulawayo residents have challenged the local authority to resume pest control in residential areas following an outbreak of rodents, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.
Mayor Thaba Moyo said the fumigation programme was hampered by lack of funds. The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (Bupra) urged council to urgently address the outbreak.
“While the city council has previously said it has inadequate funding to set up normal spraying exercises, Bupra believes that it should fulfil its mandate of ensuring a healthy environment in Bulawayo,” said Bupra co-ordinator Rodrick Fayayo.
“The city council is thus urged to resume pest control and clean out drainages.”
Early last month, residents accused the local authority’s fumigation teams of diverting chemicals to their private engagements. But director of health services, Zanele Hwalima, refuted the allegations.
Contacted for comment on the latest residents’ concerns, Moyo conceded there were now too many rodents in the city.
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“The programme to spray in areas where mosquitoes and rodents breed is there, but the budget is small and the city is too big,” he said.
“We will, however, continue in our endeavour to keep the city safe for residents.”