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Gibson Mhaka
OPEN-AIR braaing, once a cherished symbol of community gatherings in Bulawayo, now carries a whiff of trouble.
Smoky grills have virtually taken over the city becoming a fixture at the heart of every Bulawayo neighbourhood. Although popular with bargain hunters because of their “appetising” offerings, open-air braaing does not usually follow prescribed health and sanitation regulations.
Citing concerns about the potential health risks associated with some open-air braaing, such as food poisoning, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and cholera, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued a new regulation.
The regulation stipulates that braaing will only be permitted on premises that hold valid Certificates of Registration from the Health Services Department, as mandated by the Bulawayo (Registration of Premises) by-laws.
“The City of Bulawayo acknowledges a new trend in food preparation in the form of open air braaing. As such the City will be regulating open air braaing with effect from the 1st of May 2024. Braaing shall be permitted on premises which are holders of Certificates of Registration from the Health Services Department in terms of the Bulawayo (Registration of Premises) by laws.
“Please note that the following shall apply to all premises that are braaing for the general public: At least 20m2 preparation area to be provided for braaing purposes. The area shall include the preparation and sitting area. The area must be clearly demarcated. A hand washing basin shall be provided with soap and water, a sink shall be provided with running water and ashes and firewood off cuts to be disposed of properly,” the notice reads in part.
The local authority requires all braai areas to be paved with a surface that meets the Health Services Department’s standards. Additionally, these areas must have a roof to provide protection from the weather elements.
“There shall be provision of an impervious, washable working table. Cutting boards shall be provided for the braaing activity, a braai stand shall be provided. Adequate closable refuse receptacles shall be provided for left-over food.
“The braaing activity shall be registered with the City of Bulawayo Health Services Department. An inspection fee which shall be reviewed from time to time shall be paid at the inception of the braai activity and a sketch plan for the braai area shall be submitted to the City of Bulawayo Health Services Department.
“A copy of the current certificate of registration shall be submitted together with the application for the braai activity Operator shall ensure that the entrance to the braai area shall not interfere with the already existing operations”.
As part of their fire safety regulations, the Bulawayo City Council prohibits storing combustible materials in the vicinity of braai areas.
“Braai should be consistently checked when not in use. Fires must be completely extinguished after braaing, ensure all braai activities are carried out well away from window openings and doors and if flammable gas such as liquified petroleum gas is used for braaing, handle the equipment with great care and according to the supplier’s or manufacturer’s instructions,” further reads the notice.
The local authority stresses that all premises operating braai areas must comply with these new requirements by 1 June 2024.
Online Reporter