Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Government has deployed a tipper and a refuse compactor on a hiring basis to support service delivery at the cash-strapped Beitbridge Municipality.
The equipment will enhance the council’s capacity to manage solid waste and undertake other capital projects, including road construction.
Recently, the Government acquired 85 refuse compactors, some of which have been commissioned and handed over to the newly established Local Authorities Technical Support Unit (LATSU).
This initiative, under the National Disaster Management Centre, forms part of a national effort to improve solid waste management in local authority areas.
Beitbridge Mayor, Councillor Peter Mafuta, welcomed the equipment on Monday, describing it as a significant boost to the local authority’s capacity to deliver people-centred services.
“We are happy to receive this equipment from our Government. In fact, this is a huge boost for us as we seek to improve our capacity to manage solid waste issues,” said the mayor.
“At the same time, I appeal to residents to ensure they service their bills so that we can run a viable council.
“Through collaboration, we have managed to clear our water bill with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). The supply of water in our town has improved. So let’s work together as a community.”
Beitbridge residents, businesses, and the transient population generate around 1,000 tonnes of solid waste monthly, while the local authority only manages to collect about 700 tonnes.
This shortfall results in unsightly litter, blocked drains, and poses health and tourism threats in a town that serves as the country’s busiest border post and gateway to South Africa.
The local authority conducts an annual Mayor’s anti-litter half marathon to promote civic participation and foster a culture of keeping a clean and safe environment within the town and along highways leading to major towns.
This year marked the 10th edition of the event, held between Lutumba Business Centre along the Beitbridge to Masvingo road.
Town Clerk Mr. Loud Ramakgapola acknowledged the challenges posed by managing solid waste due to the transient population.
“Although we have been consistent in collecting litter from many properties, we still have a huge task to maintain services due to our location as a transit town. We play host to thousands of travellers daily, some of whom dispose of litter during their journeys,” said Mr. Ramakgapola.
“Government saw fit to give us the refuse compactor based on our workload in terms of the quest to keep the environment clean.”
Ward 3 Residents’ Chairperson, Mr. Stephen Mhondoro, urged the community to honour their bills to ensure continued improvement of services.
“This is a good development; at the same time, I urge fellow residents to maintain a clean environment. It’s our duty together to keep the town clean,” said Mr. Timothy Zendera of Dulivhadzimu.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe recently stated that the equipment is part of a larger consignment of 85 refuse collection vehicles, including tipper trucks, procured following approval by President Mnangagwa earlier this year.
He explained that the intervention responded to a waste crisis that led to Harare Metropolitan Province being declared a State of Disaster, prompting Government-led clean-up operations under Operation Chenesa Harare.
While those efforts yielded positive results, Minister Garwe said waste management remains a challenge across many councils due to a lack of equipment and personnel.
