Bulawayo mayor David Coltart has urged residents to step up efforts to ensure the city’s cleanliness and present a positive image ahead of the 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Once known as the “City of Kings” for its immaculate streets and manicured gardens, Bulawayo has in recent years seen a noticeable decline in hygiene standards, largely due to illegal dumping and littering.
The mayor’s appeal comes amid growing concern over mounting waste in the city centre and residential areas.
“April is our key month as a city. It is vital that we present our best possible face to the world and nation,” Coltart said.
He called for a collective approach, urging councillors, town clerk and residents to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their respective areas.
Bulawayo Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube stressed the importance of community participation in ensuring a clean environment.
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“We cannot run away from the fact that everybody has a role to play in making sure our city is clean,” Dube noted.
“As an association, we concur with the mayor’s call that every resident must participate in cleaning our environment. That is a fact that cannot be disputed by anyone.”
Dube singled out litterbugs as the major culprits, noting that even after council clean-up exercises, some individuals discard waste irresponsibly, undermining progress.