Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has given Bulawayo City Council (BCC) 30 days to demonstrate meaningful progress towards resolving the city’s waste management crisis, warning that it will petition the Government if no satisfactory action is taken.
In a statement issued on Friday, 9 October 2026, ZNOART National Chairman Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba (pictured )said the organisation wanted urgent action, transparency and accountability from the local authority over the proposed Government-directed intervention to address the city’s waste management challenges.
Chikomba said residents had a right to know the progress made towards implementing the proposed intervention, noting that delays continued to raise concerns about the city’s ability to effectively manage waste and protect public health.
“Government directives and proposed interventions must translate into action on the ground. Residents should not continue to bear the consequences of prolonged delays while environmental and public health concerns remain unresolved,” he said.
ZNOART’s 30-day accountability notice requires BCC to publicly clarify its position on the proposed intervention, demonstrate progress in engaging the proposed private partner and provide a clear roadmap with timelines for concluding the proposed public-private partnership (PPP).
The organisation also called for immediate practical measures to address challenges at Richmond Landfill, commonly known as the Ngozi Mine dumpsite, as well as cooperation between Government and relevant stakeholders to secure decent accommodation for affected residents.
Chikomba said the organisation would petition the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works if the council failed to make satisfactory progress within the stipulated period.
“Should there be no satisfactory progress within the stipulated 30-day period, ZNOART will petition the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to intervene and consider appropriate action within its lawful oversight mandate,” he said.
He emphasised that the notice was intended to promote accountability and constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
“Our objective is not confrontation, but the delivery of a lasting solution that serves the people of Bulawayo,” Chikomba said.
The organisation’s position follows a reported directive issued by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works on 10 September 2026, giving BCC a seven-day ultimatum concerning the proposed Government intervention in the city’s waste management challenges.
ZNOART said the passage of more than 20 days since the reported directive had prompted questions among residents about the progress made towards implementing the intervention.
The organisation urged the council to take the directive seriously and provide a public update on its engagement with the proposed private partner.
On 20 September 2026, ZNOART representatives conducted a site visit to Richmond Landfill to assess conditions at the dumpsite and understand the environmental and public health challenges affecting Bulawayo and surrounding communities.
The visit also highlighted concerns about households living at Ngozi Mine, with ZNOART calling on Government and relevant authorities to develop a practical relocation and resettlement plan.
Chikomba said affected residents deserved humane treatment, safe accommodation and protection from environmental and health hazards associated with living in an area affected by waste disposal activities.
“Resolving the waste management crisis must go hand in hand with protecting the dignity, safety and welfare of the people living in affected areas,” he said.
ZNOART further called for meaningful consultation with residents and residents’ associations on the proposed PPP, arguing that communities must have a say in decisions affecting their health, environment and livelihoods.
The organisation said the proposed intervention should prioritise efficient waste collection, appropriate waste treatment and disposal systems, pollution control, environmental rehabilitation and environmentally responsible technologies.
It also urged BCC to provide regular public progress reports outlining implementation timelines, responsibilities and measurable improvements in waste management services.
Chikomba said ZNOART remained committed to engaging Government, local authorities, residents and private-sector stakeholders to address service delivery challenges across the country.
“Bulawayo deserves a clean, safe and healthy environment. The residents of Ngozi Mine deserve dignity and decent accommodation. The city deserves an effective, sustainable and accountable waste management system,” he said.
He urged BCC, Government and the proposed private partner to act with urgency and put residents at the centre of efforts to resolve the crisis.