Concern over Chitown dumpsites

Kudzaishe Muhamba
Herald Reporter
Residents have expressed concern over non-collection of refuse which has seen the sprouting of illegal dumpsites around Chitungwiza.

A road in Unit D is now virtually impassable after being turned into a huge dumpsite amid fears more such garbage heaps will emerge if council does not start collecting refuse.

There are huge mounds of garbage near Calvary Junior School, which have become a health hazard to school children.

Local residents said Chitungwiza municipality’s failure to collect refuse had caused the mushrooming of the dumpsites.

Unit D resident, Mrs Rose Muchena said the local authority was collecting garbage once in many weeks.

“We just hope that they clear these dumpsites soon. Now that the rains have started, this increases the risk of the dumpsites becoming sources of diseases such as cholera and breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes,” she said.

Residents said schoolchildren were entitled to clean environments and called on the local authority to speedily address the situation to prevent disease outbreaks.

“Authorities should intervene urgently and clear dumpsites that have sprouted in many areas. We are now afraid of waterborne diseases, especially at this time of the year when we have rains.

“Garbage is all over the roads and motorists are competing with pedestrians for way,” said Mrs Paida Manyono.

Chitungwiza Municipality’s public relations officer, Mr Lovemore Meya said issues would be addressed starting this week.

“We are starting to clear all illegal dumpsites this week. There was a breakdown of municipality vehicles which contributed to delays in refuse collection. The good news is we are working on the issue,” said Mr Meya.