The City of Bulawayo’s Department of Housing and Community Services has stepped up enforcement against illegal dumping and unauthorised activities, issuing fines to residents and warning religious groups over open-air worship. In a recent enforcement operation in Pumula North, five households were fined $1035 for dumping litter in unauthorised areas, Senior Parks Warden Mthabisi Moyo said. He urged residents to report instances of illegal dumping to council authorities.
“As soon as you see your neighbour dumping, contact the council. They will issue a ticket, and failure to pay within seven days will see the amount added to your utility bills,” Moyo said. The council has also expressed concern over churches conducting open-air services without permits, warning that fines of $71 will be imposed for non-compliance.
Moyo admitted that current bylaws are insufficient to fully curb the practice. “Our bylaw is not as strong as we would like. We issue tickets, they pay, and then they return to worship in the same place,” he said.
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Residents have additionally raised concerns over the disposal of special waste items, including TVs, fridges, and chambers, noting that the council does not collect them. Moyo advised residents to contact their local councilor for assistance or transport such items to Ngozi Mine. The council is appealing to the public to assist in enforcing local laws.
Moyo called on communities to empower neighbourhoods to report illegal dumping and other unlawful activities. “Let us not attend these churches so that they relocate. We are not saying people should not worship, but open-air services and unauthorised structures are not permitted,” he said. He added: “We encourage residents to work with the council to maintain a clean and safe environment.”
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