ZDDT in Bulawayo cleanup

Tuesday, 23 June 2009 19:22

The past ten years have seen a breakdown in much of the essential refuse collection infrastructure across Zimbabwe. The ZDDT has however recently successfully initiated a new cleanup exercise in Zimbabwe's second city - Bulawayo.


Bulawayo City (Ward 1) Councillor Mr. Edward Manning participated in a remarkably successful Clean Up exercise on Saturday 16 May 2009 under the auspices of a local Senator. The Sebenzela iBulawayo City Action Committee, a Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT) initiative, took part.

Watch the Video here!

The Clean Up took on board Non Governmental Organisations (NGO), socially responsible companies, schools, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), churches, the Girl Guide Association, politicians, support groups, well wishers and cheerful members of the public. ZDDT Provincial Development Officer Peter Elliot was also present along with other members of the Trust.

Infrastructure breakdown
 
The Clean Up initiative is really important because the city has not had proper disposal of waste for close to a decade. Bulawayo City Council’s (BCC) main problem has been lack of fuel and the unavailability of spares for refuse removal trucks.

All uncollected waste was piled up using rakes and shovels to be collected by the City’s Cleansing Section.

Improper disposal of organic substances e.g. rubber, sadza, potato chips and rice has provided a breeding ground for bacteria and larvae, hence an increase in disease bearing flies. Unhygienic creatures such as mice and cockroaches have also multiplied.

Uncollected waste has also damaged some key refuse infrastructure. Many of the yellow metal rubbish bins supplied by the City Council have rotted bottoms due to delays in collecting rubbish. Many such idle bins have been pulled into alleys.