BCC proposes clean-up plan for city

ONLINE

… with concern over proliferation of Bottle Stores, alcohol sales in car sales and car wash premises
Gibson Mhaka
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has proposed a number of measures to keep the city clean, targeting areas populated by informal traders, public transport, and general vehicular traffic.
According to the latest minutes, Ward 26 Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo applauded the Health, Housing, and Education Committee and the department for improved cleaning service delivery.
However, he proposed a number of strategies the Committee should implement to maintain a clean city.
“Councillor M.T. Moyo applauded the Committee and the department for improved cleaning service delivery. Cleanliness had improved in the CBD.
However, the Committee should have the following strategies to maintain a clean city:-
“A clear strategy that would manage the informal sector. The informal sector was generating a lot of refuse. All illegal vending activities in the CBD should be stopped and relevant by-laws enforced.
“The Committee should also have a strategy to control Public Transport and general vehicular traffic. Public transport attracted a lot of informal trading.
“A strategy was needed to increase staff complement, clear all illegal dumps in sanitary lanes, increasing policing and enforcement of relevant by-laws. A dirty environment was a turnoff to investment. Investment brought about the local economy and job creation,” the minutes read in part.
The minutes further revealed that a number of large organizations were closing or relocating to other cities with cleaner environments.
“Bulawayo was once a clean City locally and regionally. A proposal had previously been made to encourage all businesses to have litter bins.”
Ward 24 Councillor Tavengwa Zidya complained about the proliferation of bottle stores in the city.
He said bottle stores lacked ablution facilities, leading to the pollution of surrounding areas. He also highlighted the concerning trend of alcohol sales in car sales and car wash premises.
In response, Ward 2 Cllr Adrian Redani Moyo explained that the city was actively working to enhance cleaning efforts. He emphasized the importance of increased awareness campaigns to encourage residents to maintain a clean city.
Ward 23 Cllr Ntombizodwa Khumalo added that the council would soon implement night-time cleaning services and also strictly enforce relevant bylaws to address the city’s cleanliness issues.