BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is mulling stiffer penalties for illegal waste disposal.
According to latest council minutes, there is a proliferation of illegal dumpsites, with health services director Edwin Sibanda suggesting stiffer penalties to deter litterbugs.
“However, illegal waste disposal and dumping around the city had remained a challenge to be addressed through behaviour change, awareness campaigns and stiffer penalties,” the minutes read.
Sibanda said refuse collection compactors continued to develop mechanical problems, which made it impossible to render services.
“The community refuse collection programme is serviced by an average of seven compactors each day, at times dropping to five per day,” Sibanda said.
“The eastern suburbs are serviced by BCC compactors, which mostly have challenges in completing daily tasks due to mechanical faults.
“Healthcare waste collection had continued to be adversely affected as the truck dedicated to that purpose is grounded due to a mechanical fault.
“Nevertheless, a supervisory van has been assigned to cover the duties.”
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According to reports, last month, mayor David Coltart revealed that the local authority needs US$38 000 to get all its refuse collection vehicles running.
Coltart said the city needed to bring its fleet into shape.
Earlier on, council had commissioned refuse compactor trucks worth US$602 400 in a bid to improve waste collection and maintain a clean environment.
Council officials said Bulawayo required 17 additional refuse trucks whose estimated cost was US$2,56 million.
