Bulawayo Ward 28 Councillor, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, has urged the city council to find a permanent solution to the persistent smoke emanating from burnt refuse at the Richmond landfill, commonly known as Ngozi Mine.
Cllr Ndlovu said residents had endured the problem for years, with repeated complaints to the local authority yet to yield results.
Councillors have, on several occasions, criticised the city council for failing to address the issue, warning that continued inaction poses serious health risks due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
“Your Worship, you will recall that Cowdray Park and Richmond residents have consistently raised concerns about the smoke from Ngozi Mine,” he said. “The only relief they occasionally get is when it rains. The rains help to extinguish the fires temporarily, reducing the smoke.”
“Now that the rainy season is over, the problem has returned. I am also affected, as I live in the same area. The health department must urgently come up with a viable, long-term solution.”
Cllr Ndlovu warned that continued failure to address the situation would amount to a major failure by the current council.
“Last year, we were told there was an expression of interest from individuals willing to work at the landfill. Yet, 14 months later, nothing has happened and we’ve received no feedback,” he said.
“We’ve been raising this issue since the start of our term. With just two and a half years remaining, if we leave office without resolving it, we will have failed our residents. If you look at the timeline, the public will hold us accountable. We need to see progress.”