Online Reporter
Bokang Tlou
BULAWAYO residents have raised concerns over the US$47 fee imposed by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) for fumigating homes affected by bed bugs.
Many say the charge is unaffordable and fear that their inability to pay could lead to worsening infestations and increased health risks.
A few weeks ago, residents from Mpopoma suburb reported that their homes had been invaded by bed bugs.
However, the local authority downplayed the reports, stating that investigations had revealed only a few houses were affected by the biting pests.
The BCC subsequently offered fumigation services to the affected homes at a cost of US$47 per household which is added to the householder’s monthly rates bill.
Residents who spoke to this publication, however, said the charge is being added directly to their already burdensome water bills, increasing financial strain on households.
Ms Siphiwe Moyo, one of the residents whose house was fumigated, said while she was grateful for the service, she was now overwhelmed by the cost.
“The City Council did well by fumigating my house, I can finally sleep peacefully. But the US$47 charge is too much for someone like me. I’m unemployed, and my children aren’t working. I am already struggling to pay the water bill.
It’s not fair,” she said.
Mr Aldrin Ruhwaya shared similar sentiments, saying the council had imposed the cost without consultation.
“The bed bug infestation forced me to vacate my bedroom. I was relieved when the council came to fumigate, but I was shocked by the US$47 charge, which they said would be added to my water bill.
“Bed bugs are like a natural disaster. We welcomed the help, not realising it would come at such a cost. I doubt this was even approved by the Government,” he said.
Ward Nine Councillor, Donaldson Mabutho, also expressed dissatisfaction with the council’s approach.
“The City Council should be helping residents, not burdening them with high service fees. Most people in this ward struggle to pay the US$35 water bill a month so charging them US$47 for fumigation is unfair.
Bed bugs are a public health issue and should be treated as a city council problem,” he said in an interview.
Defending the BCC position, the corporate communications manager Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said the bed bug problem was not an outbreak and as such fumigation of the few affected houses was the responsibility of residents.
“Bed bugs are not considered an outbreak. Like any other household pests such as cockroaches or rats, fumigation is a service that residents must pay for.
“There are also private pest control companies that offer similar services,” she said.
Health experts once called for a national emergency response to bed bugs infestations which this year were first reported in Mbare, Harare.
The insects are more than just a nuisance, they can cause mental stress, insomnia and long-term skin problems.
