Bulawayo City Councillors have raised alarm over the growing issue of open defecation by vendors in the central business district (CBD), particularly along 5th Avenue. They fear this unsanitary practice could lead to a cholera outbreak and contaminate vegetables sold to residents.
According to recent council minutes, Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu described the situation as particularly concerning with the rainy season now underway. He linked the lack of enforcement to the overall cleanliness challenges in the city, pointing out that illegal nighttime bus operations also contribute to littering.
While efforts were made to decongest the city by closing 6th Avenue, the street was later reopened without council approval, exacerbating the disorder. Mahlangu suggested that the chaos in 6th Avenue appeared to benefit criminal elements.
He further emphasized that open defecation along 5th Avenue posed a serious public health risk, contaminating food and potentially triggering a cholera outbreak. He criticized the selective enforcement of laws, stating this inconsistency could have significant consequences for residents’ well-being.
Ward 22 Councillor Mmeli Thobeka Moyo expressed frustration over the city’s waste management, noting that council resolutions to address cleanliness and enforcement had not been implemented.
Read: Wadyajena shortlisted for ZACC despite past corruption allegations
He cited a policy mandating businesses to provide bins, which remains unenforced, and delays in recruiting security personnel. Moyo called for an urgent meeting with management to address these shortcomings and accelerate the implementation of council decisions.
Ward 9 Councillor Donaldson Mabuto highlighted additional issues, including a cultural decline and noise pollution caused by nighttime truck operations. He urged stricter regulations to restore order and improve the quality of life in residential areas.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo acknowledged challenges with enforcement, attributing delays to difficulties in procuring uniforms for newly recruited officers. She also reported widespread vandalism of council bins, which led to littering, and encouraged residents to report acts of vandalism to authorities.
Mayor Senator David Coltart noted that cleanliness issues extend beyond Bulawayo, emphasizing that dirty streets conflict with the country’s cultural values. He criticized some policymakers for promoting lawlessness by advising residents to ignore vending by-laws.
Coltart highlighted the importance of national clean-up efforts, including those championed by the President, and called for collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to enforce environmental regulations.
He referenced Cape Town’s municipal traffic police, who possess arresting powers, as a model for effective by-law enforcement.
The mayor also stressed the need to increase street sweepers in Bulawayo, suggesting this could simultaneously address litter issues and create jobs for local youth. Additionally, he linked the chaos on 6th Avenue to disruptions in major projects, such as Egodini, which had failed to attract the expected fleet for ranking.
Bulawayo’s CBD has long struggled with maintaining order as vendors on 5th Avenue have grown increasingly defiant, sometimes reacting violently to removal efforts. This ongoing disorder remains a significant challenge for the local authority.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.