Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has written to the Bulawayo City Council seeking approval to conduct a residents’ tour of the Ngozi Mine dumpsite as part of efforts to assess waste management, environmental and public health concerns at the facility.
In a letter dated 14 September 2026 and addressed to Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube, ZNOART National Chairman Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba(pictured) said the organisation wanted to obtain first-hand information on the condition and operations of the dumpsite and assess the potential impact on surrounding communities.
ZNOART, which is an apex body representing residents and residents’ associations across Zimbabwe, said the proposed visit was driven by concerns over the current state of the dumpsite and its possible implications for public health, environmental protection and the cleanliness of Bulawayo.
“The proposed tour is motivated by concerns regarding the current state and conditions at the dumpsite, and the potential impact these conditions may have on residents, surrounding communities, public health, environmental protection and the overall cleanliness of the city,” Chikomba said.
The organisation said the tour would allow residents’ representatives to engage relevant stakeholders and gather information that could inform practical recommendations to the city council, Government, residents and other stakeholders.
ZNOART has proposed that the visit be conducted on 22 September 2026 between 10am and 12pm, with a delegation of approximately 50 people expected to attend.
The delegation will include members of the ZNOART National Executive, the organisation’s Bulawayo Provincial Executive and members of the media fraternity.
According to the organisation, the inclusion of the media is intended to ensure that observations arising from the visit can be communicated to the wider public.
“Following the tour, ZNOART intends to hold a press conference at which we will communicate our observations and recommendations to the nation and, in particular, the residents of Bulawayo,” Chikomba said.
The organisation has also asked the council to facilitate access to the dumpsite and provide relevant information on its operations and the challenges being experienced at the facility.
The proposed inspection comes against the broader challenge faced by local authorities in Zimbabwe of maintaining effective waste management systems amid growing urban populations, increased waste generation and concerns over environmental and public health standards.
Poorly managed dumpsites can pose risks through uncontrolled waste accumulation, air pollution, unpleasant odours, fires, contaminated runoff and exposure of residents and waste workers to potentially hazardous materials.
Effective waste management therefore remains an important component of urban public health and environmental protection.
ZNOART said its initiative was not only aimed at highlighting challenges but also at contributing to solutions through engagement between residents, local authorities, Government and other stakeholders.
The organisation has called for cooperation from the Bulawayo City Council, saying the initiative was intended to support efforts towards cleaner, healthier, safer and more sustainable communities.
The request has also been copied to Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Judith Ncube and Bulawayo Provincial Permanent Secretary Paul Nyoni.
The proposed tour will provide an opportunity for residents’ representatives and other stakeholders to directly assess conditions at Ngozi Mine and subsequently place their findings and recommendations before authorities and the public.