Chronicle Editor
BULAWAYO Day is an annual celebration that marks its declaration as a city on June 1, 1894. It is a special day that should be used to celebrate the city’s rich history and to renew community pride in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the region. Despite the milestones that have been achieved over the last 130 years, the city is still grappling with many challenges that impede its growth and development.
The most urgent issue that needs to be addressed is the deteriorating state of the city’s infrastructure. Most buildings in the central business district are in a derelict state and require urgent repairs. Garbage, litter, and illegal dumping have become rampant, making the city an eyesore to both residents and tourists. This is why a different approach to Bulawayo Day is not just a matter of commemorating the city’s history, but also a timely opportunity to restore pride among residents in their city, and to foster behavioural change that spurs action.
One approach is to involve residents in various ways to restore cleanliness, beauty, orderliness, and safety in the city. This can include engaging the community in clean-up campaigns to spruce up public spaces, public art displays, murals, graffiti removal, and other forms of environmental beautification efforts. The Bulawayo City Council can also collect input from residents on ways to create well-tended parks and green spaces that go a long way in building community solidarity and mental well-being.
Furthermore, a social media campaign that involves residents photographing their favourite places in the city and sharing them online can help spark interest in the city’s historical landmarks, architecture, and culture. This will also serve as a means of educating residents about the city’s rich cultural heritage, which brings a sense of ownership and pride.
Another way of changing the mind-set of residents is to engage them in a dialogue on the importance of keeping the city clean and safe. By educating communities on the negative impact of littering and dumping, the benefits of clean and safe spaces, and the need to take responsibility as an individual, a society-level culture shift can be nurtured.
Bulawayo Day should not only be an occasion to celebrate the city’s founding through song and dance, but also an opportunity to shape a better future for the city. Involving residents in various forms of environmental beautification efforts and promoting awareness of the need for behavioural change to improve the state of the city can have far-reaching effects on the city’s development.
A clean and safe environment will allow residents and tourists alike to appreciate the beauty of the City of Kings and Queens, and all that it has to offer.
Online Reporter