BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is stepping up a sweeping public health crackdown targeting illegal food outlets, unlicensed businesses and the city’s growing stray dog population, as authorities battle mounting waste management challenges that threaten public health and the environment.
The move comes as the local authority rolls out a Solid Waste Management Master Plan, a long-term strategy designed to overhaul refuse collection, curb illegal dumping, improve recycling and tighten enforcement of health by-laws amid growing concerns over deteriorating sanitation standards across the city.
According to a report presented by health services director Edin Mzingwane Sibanda to the council’s health, housing and education committee, the master plan is being developed with support from Mercy Corps and consultancy firm BCHOD.
“The plan is expected to provide a long-term framework for planning, coordinating and regulating solid waste management, enabling the city to move from fragmented waste disposal practices to a circular economy that promotes environmental sustainability, economic viability and social inclusion,” the report states.
Waste collection in Bulawayo is managed through the council's health services department using municipal refuse trucks and the community refuse removal programme, which provides door-to-door collection in 21 of the city’s 29 wards, while municipal teams service the central business district and remaining suburbs.
The council recently invested US$602 000 in new refuse compactors to improve service delivery after years of disruptions caused by ageing equipment and fuel shortages. However, the city still lacks dedicated materials recovery facilities and large-scale composting centres, leaving much of the recycling to informal waste pickers.
During deliberations, councillors raised concern over the increasing number of stray dogs in North End, Sauerstown and Nkulumane, saying the animals were scavenging around illegal kitchens, braai spots and poorly managed dumpsites.
Councillor Adrian Moyo urged the council to tighten its Dog Control Policy and hold irresponsible owners accountable, including imposing tougher penalties on owners of dangerous breeds.
- Bulawayo struggles to clear housing backlog
- Bulawayo struggles to clear housing backlog
- Egodini developer changes tune
- Outcry over city’s new rates, tariffs
Keep Reading
Councillor Lazarous Mphadwe described the proliferation of illegal kitchens and braai spots in residential areas as a public health hazard, calling for stricter enforcement of food hygiene regulations.
Committee chairperson Ntandoyenkosi Khumalo said lawlessness had become widespread at shopping centres, with many food vendors operating without meeting minimum hygiene standards.
Responding to the concerns, Sibanda said the Dog Control Policy and the associated fines schedule were under review.
“A city-wide dog tie-up order will be issued once the ongoing rabies vaccination programme is completed,” he said, adding that enforcement against illegal kitchens, braai spots and other unlicensed food businesses would be intensified.
The report shows that health inspectors conducted 1 616 inspections in May, issuing 37 intimations and 66 tickets to businesses operating without licences, registration certificates or in breach of public health regulations.
Inspectors also condemned significant quantities of expired and contaminated food, including mealie meal, meat, canned goods, sauces, vegetables and uninspected pork and beef.
The committee resolved to support the continued development of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan, while endorsing stronger enforcement of public health and environmental by-laws.
