Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
BULAWAYO Mayor Councillor David Coltart has been showered with praise on social media after he moved swiftly to bring a rubble dumper to book.
A “white” businessman was caught offloading building rubble along Cecil Avenue. Spotting the act, a motorist snapped photos, and sent them straight to the mayor’s inbox. Within hours, Coltart had the culprit traced, fined US$30, and ordered to clean up the mess.
“His vehicle was seen being used to dump rubble just off Cecil Avenue by another motorist who sent me photographs of the vehicle,” said Coltart. “Through our BCC Cleansing Department we were then able to trace the owner of the vehicle. The owner was contacted and fined $30. He has also been ordered to clear up the rubble, which was dumped.”
The mayor hailed the alert resident who blew the whistle, saying: “I applaud the quick-thinking motorist who had the presence of mind to photograph the vehicle and send me the exact location.”
Coltart said he deliberately withheld the businessman’s name to spare him humiliation but stressed that identifying his race was deliberate. “I have specifically mentioned the race and occupation of the accused because it is important that the public knows that the crime of dumping is being perpetrated by all races and all types of people, including businessmen who should know better,” he said. “Their actions are astonishingly selfish.”
He warned that next time, offenders will not be so lucky. “Dumping of building rubble and litter is ruining our city. This behaviour is unacceptable and we will not hesitate to name and shame going forward.”
While a few followers debated Coltart’s mention of race, the majority of Facebook users applauded his decisive action. Rita Fredi Ruf wrote, “Poor Coltart. He can’t win. If he says white there’s an outcry, if he doesn’t say it someone complains. Let’s remember this is about littering, not race.”
Mapule Ndlovu added, “By stating that it was a white man, Coltart is helping us see that bad behaviour can come from anyone. It challenges the idea that only one group is responsible.”
Others focused on the punishment. “$30 is too little. It should be $300,” wrote Mertin Pretorious. “Dumping costs more than that to clean.” Christopher Munyanyi shared, “Keep it up Bulawayo.
Cleanliness begins with me,” recalling his own fine years ago for dumping waste.
Even those who disagreed with the racial reference still saluted the mayor’s no-nonsense stance. “You could have just said ‘a businessman,’ but otherwise, great job mayor,” wrote Tiz Dee.
By the end of the day, Coltart’s post had been flooded with likes, love reactions, and “Well done, Mayor!” comments. The consensus was; Bulawayo residents are tired of illegal dumping, and they are right behind their mayor’s vow to name and shame the next offender.
B-Metro verdict: Coltart acted, council delivered and Bulawayo’s people cheered.
I agree that this is bad behavior that needs to be sorted but at the same time the council has equal responsibility to make convenient places to dispose of rubbish. To have to go all the way out to the city dump and be subjected to the terrible, traumatizing and frustrating experience just to be a responsible citizen is not acceptable!