adminThe flats, situated near the Cold Storage Company (CSC) in Belmont industrial area, were condemned as unfit for human habitation some years ago but some people moved in regardless.
The residents are said to be paying rentals of $12 per month to the city council.
Speaking to Chronicle this week, the residents said they were not happy with the situation as there was a bad stench because of the burst sewer pipes and refuse which continued to pile up.
“Leaving such amounts of uncollected refuse and an unfixed sewer system is a health threat to everyone living here. The situation creates a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes and this on its own makes Sidojiwe an unhealthy environment,” said the spokesperson for the residents, Mrs Florence Nemangwe Moyo.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BUPRA) coordinator Mr Rodrick Fayayo said the council’s negligence showed its inconsideration towards the plight of Sidojiwe residents.
“It seems Sidojiwe is a forgotten place. We expect council to deal with the looming health hazard before it blows out of proportion. The matter needs urgent action.
“The responsibility lies with the city council and the Government to make sure that alternative and affordable accommodation is found if Sidojiwe is considered not habitable,” he said.
Contacted for comment, the Governor and Resident Minister for Bulawayo, Ambassador Cain Mathema, said the city council should find a remedy for the Sidojiwe residents.
“The city council must go out of its way to repair the main sewer system. It is the task of the city fathers to make sure that they deliver before the situation goes out of hand.
“We cannot afford to have scenarios whereby people have to die because of the inattentiveness shown by the municipality responsible,” said Governor Mathema.
Council’s senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the council was aware of the situation at Sidojiwe and was working towards sourcing funds to alleviate the problem.
“Efforts are underway to clear up residents of Sidojiwe to Emganwini Millennium Housing and Hlalani Kuhle Cowdray Park.
“Council is doing its best to make sure that Sidojiwe residents are vacated to habitable places. However, financial constraints have caused a delay in the relocation of these people,” said Mrs Mpofu.
Online Reporter