Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
THE City of Gweru has stepped up efforts to address waste management challenges and promote a culture of cleanliness, while also launching a citywide campaign to prevent the spread of rabies.
Presenting an ordinary council communication at a full council meeting held on Monday, Gweru mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said the city’s waste management situation was a public health concern that required urgent action.
“Council has introduced a US$30 spot fine for public littering as part of our broader war on litter bugs,” he said.
“This penalty, now actively enforced, serves as a powerful deterrent against indiscriminate littering.”
Cllr Chivhoko warned that illegal dumpsites had become breeding grounds for rats and mosquitoes, exposing residents to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and malaria.
He said the city had also launched the Catch Them Young Waste Management Campaign, targeting primary and secondary school learners.
“This initiative instils environmental responsibility among children and raises awareness of the city’s anti-littering by-laws,” he said.
“The campaign has received support from teachers and parents. A child who learns this today will not throw a bottle into a storm drain tomorrow.
“That child will remind their parents and neighbours about proper waste disposal. This is how we ensure Gweru becomes a clean city.”
Meanwhile, the council has launched a mass rabies vaccination programme running from August 18 to 28, 2026, across several suburbs.
Cllr Chivhoko said the campaign was targeting the vaccination of thousands of dogs and cats to prevent the spread of rabies, a deadly but preventable zoonotic disease.
“Rabies is 100 percent preventable, yet it continues to claim lives, particularly in communities where pet owners neglect routine vaccinations,” he said.
“This campaign is not just about protecting animals, it is about protecting people, especially children who are most vulnerable to stray dog bites.”
He said the council had strategically established vaccination points across major suburbs.
Cllr Chivhoko urged residents to take responsibility for ensuring their pets are vaccinated.
“We cannot win this battle alone. The community must partner with us by ensuring their pets are vaccinated,” he said.
“Let us work together to eliminate rabies from our city and make Gweru a rabies-free city.”
