Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@chroncle.co.zw
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has been urged to fast-track the awarding of contracts for the proposed waste-to-energy project to help solve the hazardous environmental and health challenges posed by the Richmond landfill, commonly known as Ngozi Mine.
The landfill, a long-standing source of frustration for residents, continues to emit harmful air and water pollutants, with periodic fires exacerbating the situation. Residents of nearby suburbs, including Richmond and Cowdray Park, have repeatedly raised concerns over the stench, smoke and health risks associated with the site.
A waste-to-energy project could provide a sustainable solution, aligning with national goals for environmental protection and economic growth.
Stakeholders believe that adopting a waste-to-energy model could significantly mitigate the landfill’s environmental impact while generating electricity and creating jobs.
Twelve companies have expressed interest in the project, which aims to transform waste management in Bulawayo.
Harare City Council’s partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management has been hailed as a model for Zimbabwe and beyond. The initiative transformed the once-polluted Pomona dumpsite into a modern facility featuring parks, sports amenities and other community spaces. The success has drawn regional attention, with Botswana and Lesotho seeking Zimbabwe’s guidance on similar projects.
Last month, Government officials, Geo Pomona representatives and Maseru City Council officials toured Lesotho’s Tsosane dumpsite to explore waste management solutions.
Despite interest from 12 companies, BCC has faced delays in awarding contracts for the Richmond landfill project. According to a recent council report, 4,3 million kilogrammes of domestic and commercial waste, 564 000kg of industrial solid waste and 63 000 litres of industrial liquid waste were disposed of at the site in October alone.
Ward 29 councillor, Royeni Sekete, questioned the delays, noting that Harare’s success with Geo Pomona Waste Management could serve as a blueprint.
“The City of Harare has done it and it was a good model for the entire country. What was the council’s legal position on failed contracts like the Pragmaleaf (Pvt) Ltd case? The company had been contracted by the council but failed to deliver,” reads part of the report.
Ward 2 councillor, Adrian Moyo, highlighted complaints from Richmond and Cowdray Park residents about air pollution caused by frequent fires at the landfill. He called for either relocation or the acquisition of appropriate machinery to address the problem.
Ward 15 councillor, Ashton Mhlanga, echoed these concerns, warning that failing to act could expose the council to legal action. He urged the inclusion of landfill relocation in the 2025 budget.
However, Ward 22 councillor Khalazani Ndlovu argued that relocation alone would not solve the problem, as flammable gases could still be emitted for years.
He said the solution lies in acquiring adequate machinery and prioritising refuse-free streets and roads.
BCC’s assistant director of health services, Mr Charles Malaba, acknowledged that machinery shortages and breakdowns were compounding the problem.
The landfill, established in 1994, was initially serviced by 20 refuse trucks, but only one tipper truck is operational today.
“A new front-end loader and dozer are urgently needed. Council recently hired machinery to compact refuse after a fire outbreak, but these works were discontinued when the contractual hours expired,” he said.
Mr Malaba also revealed that some of the 12 companies interested in the waste-to-energy project lacked the necessary documentation, further delaying progress.
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