Bulawayo residents have raised concerns over the city’s refuse collection system, with many questioning the policy that leaves some garbage behind, only for stray dogs to scatter it across roads and residential areas.
Once regarded as Zimbabwe’s cleanest city, Bulawayo is now struggling with waste management, with residents, informal vendors and city authorities blaming each other for the worsening situation.
A concerned resident, speaking in a community WhatsApp group for Ward 2, lamented the decline in cleanliness.
“Bulawayo used to be the cleanest city in Zimbabwe. Now it has become one of the dirtiest cities in Africa. It’s a shame. We, as residents, like to push the blame on other people, but are we checking ourselves individually or as small communities?” said the unidentified resident. “Rubbish dumping happens everywhere. The alleys are dirty, the rains are falling and if we are not careful, we will see Cholera.”
Other residents further highlighted the unhygienic state of the city, pointing out that fresh food, clothes and groceries were often left scattered on roads and near supermarket doorsteps.
Dennis Dubley, questioned the Bulawayo City Council’s (BCC) refuse collection policy, seeking clarification on why collectors leave behind small waste items.
“I have noticed that the collectors leave out any small items not in the bags, so what should residents do with those rubbish items left behind? I have observed that this waste is then scattered on the potholed roads by stray dogs,” he said. Dubley said it would appear that some residents cannot afford to buy bin bags or bins for their refuse.
“Those with bins, their bins are destroyed by the collectors through rough handling,” Dubley said. He further accused city authorities of implementing policies without proper consultation, arguing the community was too passive in holding them accountable.
Helmand Shoko, another resident, shared similar sentiments, stating that uncollected rubbish was creating an unsanitary environment.
“I have also observed what you are saying in Tegela. Dogs carry diapers to convenient places in front of gates or along the roads, tear them, and start feeding,” he said.
“Council rubbish collectors have no time to collect any rubbish not in the bag. Despite collecting rubbish once a week, they do not pick up loose waste. Collecting rubbish is now like a favour, not a requirement. Things are just not adding up. We need a turnaround in how we manage our affairs.”
In response to these concerns, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Rendani Moyo acknowledged the challenges but assured residents that waste collection schedules remain in place.
“There are collection dates which are known to the residents. For example, in Trenance, Northlynne, and Lobenvale, refuse is collected on Monday,” said Moyo.
The councillor explained that while the city’s department of health services tries to adhere to the set schedule, disruptions sometimes occur. “Whenever there is a challenge adhering to the schedule, the cleansing section of the department of health services usually communicates,” he added.
Moyo said that the city has been actively promoting proper waste disposal through awareness campaigns and urging residents to take responsibility for their surroundings.
However, he noted that achieving lasting change requires a “paradigm shift matched by behavioural transformation” within communities. “And that is a process. However enforcement is taking place and we have requested its amplification as an addition to the efforts that I have already mentioned,” Moyo said.
Nevertheless, residents are calling for the local authority to review its waste collection policy and provide clear guidelines on how to handle waste that does not fit into refuse bags.
Some also urged the city council to educate the public on proper waste disposal and enforce regulations to curb illegal dumping.
