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Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
GWERU City Council (GCC) has allocated US$1,6 million to relocate the city’s heavily polluted dumpsite near the Woodlands Phase 2 high-density suburb.
This initiative is expected to bring relief to approximately 15 000 residents who have long endured the unpleasant stench, flies and rodents infesting their homes due to the proximity of the McFadden Landfill, commonly referred to as the “Gweru Dumpsite.”
The landfill, located about 10 kilometres southwest of the city centre, is just a few metres from Woodlands Phase 2, making it a significant environmental and health hazard. Residents have consistently raised concerns over the site’s detrimental impact on their health and well-being.
Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, expressed relief at the progress made in relocating the dumpsite, which has been a persistent challenge for the community.
“It has been a long-standing concern for our residents, and I am pleased to announce that we have made significant strides in addressing this problem. We have identified a new site along the Gweru-Matobo road, adjacent to the Cambridgeshire Sewer Treatment Plant,” he said.
Although the project has faced delays, the council remains optimistic that the relocation will be completed this year.
“We have already completed much of the groundwork, and we are confident that we can finalise the relocation soon. We have allocated US$1.6 million to ensure the project is completed,” said Councillor Chivhoko.
The relocation project was initially delayed despite the council’s allocation of US$48 million in devolution funds in 2022. These delays were further exacerbated by a lack of co-ordination between the Gweru City Council and the Vungu Rural District Council (RDC), which previously managed the area.
In February 2021, the two councils signed a Memorandum of Agreement, with Vungu RDC relinquishing its responsibility for providing services to the residents, including the relocation of the dumpsite, to GCC. It was agreed that the relocation would be completed within three years of signing the agreement.
Councillor Chivhoko reassured residents that the health and safety of the community remain top priorities for the local authority.
“We understand the significant health risks posed by the current dumpsite, particularly with issues like leakage and pollution. We are working hard to ensure that the relocation happens as soon as possible,” he said.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director, Mr Cornelius Selipiwe, expressed concern over the delays, stating that the relocation of the Woodlands dumpsite has been long overdue.
“For years, residents have been suffering from the pollution caused by the disposal and burning of toxic substances at the site. The community has been calling for action, and the delay in decommissioning the site is unacceptable,” he said.
Mr Selipiwe added that the situation had reached a breaking point, with residents petitioning for government intervention due to the severe health risks posed by the landfill.
