Online Reporter
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
BULAWAYO residents have voiced serious concern over the growing trend of open defecation in residential suburbs, attributed to religious gatherings held in open spaces without access to basic sanitation facilities.
The issue came to the fore following the Easter holiday period, during which dozens of congregants from apostolic sects gathered in open spaces across suburbs such as Luveve, Nguboyenja, Lobengula, Emakhandeni and Cowdray Park, among others. These church services, often lasting several days, were conducted without toilets or running water, posing a public health risk.
When a Sunday News crew visited some of the gathering sites, there was clear evidence of widespread open defecation. Residents living near these open-air churches expressed increasing frustration and growing fears of potential disease outbreaks.
“It’s difficult to enjoy the festivities when we are surrounded by the unpleasant reality of open defecation. The smell, the sight, and the health risks are overwhelming, it undermines the spirit of celebration,” said a resident from Emakhandeni who identified himself only as Mr. Enock.
In Nguboyenja, another resident, who declined to be named, echoed similar concerns, stressing the loss of dignity and sanitation in the community during such gatherings.
“We have experienced water contamination and outbreaks of diarrheic diseases because of this. It’s not just about hygiene, it’s about protecting the health and dignity of the entire community,” she said.
She urged church leaders to take greater responsibility for the spaces they utilise.
“It’s a matter of responsibility. Religious gatherings are important, but they should not come at the expense of public health,” she added.
Bulawayo Residents Association (Bura) chairperson, Mr. Winos Dube, also weighed in, calling on both church groups and the authorities to take decisive action.
“Mobile toilets should be a requirement for any open-air gatherings, especially those that last several days. I strongly believe local authorities should enforce regulations that require organisers to seek formal permission and adhere to minimum health and safety standards,” he said.
Mr Dube noted that as Bulawayo continues to face water and waste management challenges, preventing potential outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid is vital. These diseases have previously afflicted the city.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Director of Health Services, Dr Edwin Mzingwane, stated that the city’s public health by-laws strictly prohibit any form of occupation or public gathering in areas without running water or sewer infrastructure.
“These by-laws are not merely procedural; they are designed to prevent these health hazards. We urge all organisers of public events to comply with these rules for the safety of all residents,” he said.
The issue of open defecation in Bulawayo is not new but has worsened in recent years due to rapid urbanisation, inadequate public sanitation infrastructure and an increase in informal gatherings, particularly by religious groups.
Many of these sects prefer open-air worship, often selecting undeveloped land that lacks basic amenities.
According to a 2023 report by the Zimbabwe National Sanitation and Hygiene Survey, urban areas are increasingly at risk of sanitation-related public health challenges, especially where infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population growth.
