City leaders, government officials and waste management experts have raised alarm over Bulawayo’s deteriorating solid waste management system, warning that the crisis poses serious health and environmental risks unless urgent action is taken.
Speaking during a policy discussion on Thursday, organised by the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) under the theme “Towards Clean and Resilient Urban Areas: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Zimbabwe”, stakeholders called for increased funding, public-private partnerships, and investment in waste-to-energy infrastructure.
Norah Mupaza, speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, said waste management in urban areas is collapsing under the pressure of rapid population growth, rural-to-urban migration, and chronic underfunding.
“Urban areas in Zimbabwe have been facing numerous challenges in solid waste management,” said Mupaza. “These stem from growing populations, lack of funding for local authorities, and limited capacity, particularly in recycling and electronic waste handling.”
She said government was prioritising the issue, citing ongoing partnerships aimed at improving urban waste systems.
Mupaza added that integrating waste-to-energy technology could offer cleaner alternatives for power generation.
“These models demonstrate that solid waste can be converted into energy… but rising waste production in the CBD, especially around construction and sanitation areas, poses health and environmental hazards that need urgent attention.”
Representing Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, Councillor Mellisa Mabeza laid out a set of recommendations to improve the city’s waste response mechanisms.
These include enhancing school-based waste education programmes, tightening enforcement by municipal police, and introducing targeted taxes on high-waste products such as diapers, plastic, and electronic goods.
“Proceeds from these Pay-As-You-Buy taxes should be channelled to local authorities,” Mabeza said. “Funds must be ring-fenced to directly improve solid waste services and support the recycling industry. Infrastructure like waste-to-energy plants must also be developed.”
Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo painted a bleak picture of the council’s current capacity, citing an acute shortage of refuse collection equipment and the absence of central government funding.
“We need about 20 compactors to run the city efficiently. At the moment, we operate with just 8 to 11,” Khumalo said. “Ideally, we need 30 compactors. But there is no money and we no longer receive government grants.”
Waste management expert Leave-It Ncube stressed the importance of viewing waste, especially organic material, as a resource rather than a burden.
She urged residents and city planners to embrace composting and recycling as part of a broader strategy to reduce landfill pressure.
“Organic waste can be reused in agriculture. Plastics can be recycled. We need to move towards sustainable, circular solutions,” Ncube said.
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