The relocation of the Woodlands dumpsite in Gweru has been delayed again due to the required paperwork from government despite council having identified the new site, the Southern Eye on Sunday has established.
The City of Gweru in 2021 announced plans to decommission the Woodlands dumping site by 2023 to pave way for Mkoba 21 housing project.
A total of 784 beneficiaries bought residential stands in Mkoba 21 in 2014 and the housing waiting list now stands at more than 40 000 people.
In 2022, council said it had set aside $48 million from devolution funds to finance the relocation of the city's dumpsite.
However, since then, the project has stalled.
Addressing stakeholders at the 2024 budget review last week, council’s assistant finance director Owen Masimba said the new dumpsite will be located along Matobo Road, a few kilometres from the city centre.
"The new site has been identified and we are now waiting for an offer letter from the Ministry of Lands,"Masimba said.
"Once we get that offer letter we will begin the process of relocation of the dumpsite.
- Gweru dumpsite relocation remains in limbo
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“We understand residents have been waiting for a long time for the relocation of the dumpsite but we appeal for their patience as we follow due process to start this project."
The new landfill, which is expected to cost at least US$1 million, has been on council's wish list for more than seven years.
The local authority has accused the government for allowing housing projects near the Woodlands site despite the fact that the landfill was identified years ago.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director, Cornelia Selipiwe, said the relocation of the site was long overdue as residents in the Woodlands suburb continued to be exposed to pollution from the landfill.
"As residents we expect urgency in the matter because it's now years since council said it was working on modalities to decommission the one in Woodlands," Selipiwe said.
During the Covid 19 pandemic there were reports of children picking used face masks from the dumpsite exposing them to serious health risks.
Over the past years, the Woodlands site has posed a lot of health hazards with residents and those in surrounding areas complaining over the disposal and burning of toxics.
The residents also petitioned for government intervention into the issue.
