Govt procures 85 refuse compactors to strengthen solid waste management

📅 Published: August 17, 2025

📰 Source: zimbabwesituation

Curated by AllZimNews.com

In Bulawayo, the new fleet of compactors, is therefore expected to ease pressure on the local authority’s strained resources, improve waste collection frequency, and help restore the city’s reputation for cleanliness.

On Friday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe commissioned the first 20 refuse trucks, addressing mayors, chairpersons, town clerks, and chief executive officers from the country’s 92 local authorities.

The development comes after Harare was previously declared a State of Disaster due to overwhelming waste accumulation.

Minister Garwe acknowledged that most councils had been failing to meet their waste collection mandates because of inadequate resources. “Government made a conscious decision to procure refuse collection equipment that shall be deployed to councils on a needy basis, though nominal fees shall be charged,” he said.

The Latsu, chaired by the Department of Public Works, will oversee deployment, cost recovery and fleet maintenance.

Minister Garwe also cited progress under the Geo Pomona waste-to-energy project in Harare, indicating the Government’s intention to expand such public-private partnerships.

Minister Daniel Garwe He urged local authorities to take service delivery seriously and prepare for the upcoming rainy season by grading roads and managing waste efficiently. “It is high time that we improve service delivery for the betterment of our communities.

His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s mantra of clean cities, clean buildings, is his new mission in ensuring minimum service delivery and attaining Vision 2030,” said Minister Garwe.

The newly commissioned equipment is expected to strengthen local councils’ capacity to tackle illegal dumps and improve public health conditions.

The commissioning of the refuse compactors came a day after Minister Garwe called on local authorities to renew their commitment to social transformation and enhance service delivery as Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 goals.

The minister emphasised the importance of transitioning from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places greater focus on strengthening the capacity of local authorities to meet service delivery demands in an increasingly dynamic environment.

A key component of this transition is the introduction of the Call-to-Action blueprint, which has led to the establishment of Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS).