Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GWANDA Municipality has finally relocated its long-condemned dumpsite, bringing to an end years of health concerns and environmental problems for nearby residents, as the local authority steps up efforts to attain city status by 2030.
On Monday, the council officially began transferring waste to a new landfill located about seven kilometres outside Gwanda town. The development marks a significant milestone in the town’s push towards modernisation and improved environmental management.
For residents who have spent years living under constant smoke and battling infestations of flies, the relocation signals the start of a cleaner and healthier environment. Many had grown accustomed to poor air quality and the daily discomfort caused by the proximity of the dumpsite.
The old dumpsite had been condemned 13 years ago due to its location near homes, schools and businesses. Over time, it became a serious health concern and a visible eyesore, particularly for motorists travelling along the busy Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway.
Efforts to address the situation date back several years. In 2015, the municipality constructed a compliant landfill with support from World Vision. However, plans to relocate operations stalled due to a shortage of essential equipment, including compactors, bulldozers, front-end loaders, excavators and self-weighing compactor trucks.
The municipality has now secured the required machinery, paving the way for the long-delayed move to finally take place.
In an interview, Gwanda mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said the commissioning of the new landfill is part of a broader vision to transform Gwanda into a city by 2030.
“We have started moving waste to the new landfill. We took a long time, but finally we have done it. We now have the compactors and the yellow machines to deal with waste efficiently and this will go a long way in making our town clean. The landfill was constructed between 2014 and 2017 through a partnership with World Vision.”
Alderman Moyo said the rapid growth of the town had made it necessary to relocate the dumpsite without further delay.
“The old dumpsite is now surrounded by development. It is only a few metres from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic and close to residential areas, making it both a health risk and an eyesore. We have been working tirelessly to acquire the equipment required and we are pleased that residents can now benefit from a modern waste management system,” he said.
As part of the transition, stakeholders have been barred from disposing of waste at the old site. The area will now be compacted and formally decommissioned to eliminate any remaining risks.
The mayor added that the municipality will also step up efforts to educate residents on proper waste handling and recycling practices. He stressed that public participation would be key in ensuring the long-term success of the new system.
“We want residents to actively participate in solid waste management and recycling so that we reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. These initiatives also complement the province’s zero-waste movement and our vision of becoming a clean and modern city,” said Alderman Moyo.
The relocation is in line with Matabeleland South Province’s Zero Waste Campaign, which was launched last year under the theme: “The Globe is Our Home — Zero Waste, My Responsibility.” The campaign encourages communities to reduce, reuse and recycle waste as part of broader environmental protection efforts.
Residents who have been directly affected by the dumpsite have welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue.
Mrs Thubelihle Phiri, who has lived near the dumpsite for several years, said the conditions had been difficult and, at times, unbearable.
“This is a huge relief to us because for a long time we have waited to have this dumpsite relocated. We were suffering because every day dark clouds of smoke would cover our homes. The dumpsite was also dangerous for children who would stray there and play. Sometimes children picked up dirty objects such as used condoms without knowing what they were. Such a place should never be near residential areas,” she said.
Business operators in the area also reported losses linked to the dumpsite, particularly those dealing in food.
Mr Brian Nyoni, who runs a business in Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle, said the presence of flies had made it difficult to operate.
“It has been difficult to sell perishables and other foodstuffs because of the flies that were constantly coming from the dumpsite. This move brings hope to business people like us. We are looking forward to operating in a cleaner environment.”
Apart from health and business concerns, the dumpsite had also created safety challenges. It had become a feeding ground for baboons, which frequently invaded nearby homes and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic campus in search of food. The animals often caused property damage and posed a risk to residents and students.
With the relocation now under way, authorities believe the move will significantly improve living conditions in affected areas, while helping the municipality meet environmental standards expected of a growing urban centre.
The development is expected to play a key role in Gwanda’s broader vision of becoming a clean, organised and modern city by 2030.
