BAN GARDEN REFUSE BURNING: Mayor calls for stiffer fire safety bylaws

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

BULAWAYO Mayor Councillor David Coltart has called for a total ban on burning of garden refuse and bushes with stringent fines imposed on those found in violation of the bylaw.

The call by the mayor comes in the wake of a horrific fire incident on Tuesday afternoon where a Burnside suburb house and property worth an estimated US$500 000 was destroyed by fire that was started by individuals who were clearing their stand in preparation for a house construction.

The incident occurred at stand number 244 Arnold Way, where occupants were reportedly clearing thickets in preparation for construction. According to Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, the flames quickly spread beyond control, engulfing a house whose owners are said to be on holiday in Switzerland.

In an interview, Clr Coltart, whose jurisdiction as a councillor covers Burnside, a fire red zone in the city, said the existing by-law, like most of the city’s by laws, was not wide enough and needed an immediate review to protect residents and property.

The by law is under Clause 31 on Maintenance of Premises and it states that no person shall on any premises burn any weeds, rubbish or other offensive matter to cause a nuisance.

“This is what our bylaws state at present. My own view is that they are not wide enough, so I have already asked for a review of our regulations, which deal with fire hazards. This is sufficient for now, but we need to ban the burning of all garden refuse and bush and make the penalties stiffer,” said Clr Coltart.

He said residents must embrace the culture of adding value to their refuse by converting it into compost.

“We also need to encourage residents to realise the value of compost, most of what is burned can be turned into superb compost for the growing of vegetables,” said Clr Coltart.