Vusumuzi Dube
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is proposing a US$200 fine for public urinating, but admits that a shortage of public toilets, particularly along 5th Avenue, is partly driving residents to foul the city’s environment.
The proposed fine is part of a new penalty structure being considered by council, with public littering attracting a US$50 fine and public dumping US$100.
The issue came under the spotlight during a full council meeting where councillors raised concerns over littering and public fouling across the city.
Councillor Dumisani Nkomo proposed that the fines be reviewed to US$50 for public littering, US$100 for public dumping and US$200 for public urinating.
He said businesses had previously been encouraged to provide litter bins at their premises, but the proposal had not been followed.
“There was too much lawlessness in the city. Every tree in the city was being fouled as well as nearby environment,” said Nkomo.
Mayor David Coltart, however, pointed to the shortage of public toilets as one of the factors contributing to public fouling.
“His Worship the Mayor (Senator David Coltart) noted the shortage of toilets in the city especially along 5th Avenue. This was contributing to public fouling of the environment,” the council report stated.
The proposed crackdown comes as the city also battles inadequate street cleaning resources.
For example, the councillors noted that Ward seven, which stretches from Mzilikazi to Sizinda and
includes Renkini Rural Bus Terminus, needed at least three more street sweepers.
The ward has only 15 sweepers despite generating significant amounts of litter, particularly around Renkini.
“The Ward had only 15 sweepers. Ward 7 stretched from Mzilikazi right up to Sizinda. Renkini Rural Bus Terminus was in Ward 7. A lot of litter was generated in that area,” the report stated.
Council said it would look into increasing the number of street sweepers in line with available budget provisions.
Meanwhile, the city has only about 65 percent CBD bin coverage, with vandalism identified as a major challenge.
Clr Felix Madzana said local authorities could only charge up to level three of the existing fine schedules and that further engagements would be undertaken.
Council is also banking on proposed legislation granting local authorities arresting powers and municipal courts to help enforce the new measures.
Clr Nkomo said the proposed legislation could help restore order in the city.
He was hopeful that the proposed bill to grant local authorities arresting powers and municipal courts would “bring sanity to the City”.
