Illegal vendors are among the biggest contributors to Bulawayo’s growing litter problem and should face tougher penalties, a city councillor has said amid mounting concerns over waste management, illegal dumping and declining cleanliness standards across the city.
Speaking during the latest full council meeting, proportional representation Councillor Mercy Furanayi said the proliferation of unlicensed vendors was worsening littering in both the Central Business District and residential areas.
“There is a need for stiff penalties for illegal vendors who are located everywhere, as they are the major contributors to litter within Bulawayo,” said Furanayi.
Her remarks came as councillors debated environmental health challenges facing the city, with several members raising concerns about illegal dumping, uncollected refuse, overgrown grass and inadequate resources for waste management.
Councillor Irene Moyo expressed concern over the state of cleanliness in parts of the city, particularly along major roads.
“Grass is not being slashed, especially along Masiyephambili Road. I urge councillors to emphasise cleanliness within their communities,” she said.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said shopping centres in residential suburbs were becoming increasingly untidy due to illegal dumping and the growing presence of vendors.
She called for closer collaboration between council committees responsible for land allocation and urban planning to address vending-related challenges.
“I feel there is a need for a joint meeting with the Town Lands and Planning Committee to clarify some developments within the city, especially the allocation of vending bays,” she said.
Ward 11 Councillor Suzan Sithole highlighted the rise in illegal dumping sites across Bulawayo. While commending the Health Services Department for maintaining household refuse collection services, she said residents needed more education on council by-laws and penalties.
“The community is not fully educated on penalties related to illegal dumping, hence there is a need to educate residents on council by-laws. The use of cameras would also assist in apprehending offenders,” said Sithole.
Health, Housing and Education Committee chairperson Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo acknowledged that limited resources were hampering the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness.
“Refuse removal trucks are few, as are other resources, making it difficult to meet the required standards of cleanliness,” said Khumalo.
She warned that illegal dumping and inadequate refuse collection resources were undermining Bulawayo’s aspirations to become a Smart City.
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