shloboe boe
Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@chroncile.co.zw
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) would need more than US$1,8 million to relocate the Trenance landfill site, but officials argue that such a move is unnecessary as residents have not been significantly affected by the presence of landfills in residential areas.
Despite concerns about the health hazards posed by the landfill, BCC officials believe that relocating the site without addressing underlying challenges, such as inadequate machinery, would lead to similar problems at a new location.
According to a recent housing and education committee report, City Health Director, Dr Edwin Mzingwane said maintaining the current landfill and purchasing the necessary equipment would cost US$950 000, significantly less than the cost of relocation.
“Residents have not felt the impact of previous landfill sites within residential areas. At the time, these sites were equipped with all the necessary machinery in duplicates,” said Dr Mzingwane.
He added that the Trenance landfill, the city’s fourth, is currently operating without functional machinery, contributing to inefficiencies.
Dr Mzingwane also emphasised the importance of waste re-use and recycling to reduce the volume of litter reaching the landfill. He noted that, if recycling and re-use were optimised, only five percent of collected waste would need to be deposited at the landfill.
Councillors suggested that the most viable long-term solution to the landfill issue is a waste-to-energy project.
Dr Mzingwane noted that the 120 tonnes of litter deposited daily at the landfill could be sufficient to generate energy.
BCC Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, disclosed that the council has approached the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) with a special request to hire plant equipment to address the landfill’s challenges.
The proposed waste-to-energy initiative aligns with national goals for environmental sustainability and economic growth. Stakeholders believe it could significantly mitigate the landfill’s environmental and health risks while generating electricity and creating jobs.
The local authority has repeatedly been urged to fast-track the awarding of contracts for the proposed waste-to-energy project to address the hazardous environmental and health challenges posed by the Richmond landfill, commonly known as Ngozi Mine.
Residents from nearby suburbs such as Richmond and Cowdray Park have repeatedly raised concerns about the stench, smoke and health risks associated with the landfill.
Periodic fires at the site exacerbate these issues, releasing harmful air and water pollutants.
A waste-to-energy project could provide a sustainable solution, aligning with national goals for environmental protection and economic growth.
Twelve companies have expressed interest in the project, which aims to transform waste management in Bulawayo.
