Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Bulawayo’s waste management system on brink of collapse – herald

Vusumuzi Dube Deputy Radar Editor

BULAWAYO’S waste management system is facing an unprecedented crisis, with the City Council warning that an ageing refuse collection fleet, a shortage of service vehicles and crippled environmental laws enforcement are threatening public health as uncollected garbage and illegal dumping escalate across the city.

A report tabled before the latest full council meeting reveals that 14 of the city’s 20 refuse compactors have outlived their economic lifespan, leaving the local authority struggling to provide consistent refuse collection services while environmental health officers can no longer act against illegal dumping because they lack transport.

The report paints a grim picture of a city battling to keep its streets and suburbs clean as deteriorating equipment, ageing vehicles and limited resources continue to erode service delivery.

Council says only three to five of its refuse compactors are operational on any given day, forcing it to rely on seven hired compactors from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and six additional trucks from the Bulawayo Waste Management Truckers Association to prevent a complete collapse of refuse collection services.

Even with this support, authorities admit they are struggling to keep pace with the growing volumes of waste generated across the city.

“Despite these efforts, the section continued to face significant operational challenges, particularly with the investigation and resolution of service complaints. The shortage of supervisory vehicles remained a major constraint, with seven supervisors having to share only three vehicles, two of which are over 30 years old and were frequently out of service due to mechanical breakdowns. This adversely affected supervision, monitoring, and responsiveness to public complaints,” reads part of the report.

The city’s specialised healthcare waste collection service has also been affected after its dedicated truck developed mechanical faults, forcing council to use a supervisor’s vehicle to collect hazardous medical waste from health institutions.

“The collection of healthcare waste also experienced difficulties following the grounding of the truck specifically dedicated to this service due to a mechanical fault. As an interim measure, the department had to improvise by utilising one of the supervisors’ vans to ensure continuity of this critical service,” reads the report.

While between 10 and 12 refuse compactors are deployed daily to service the eastern suburbs and the Central Business District, refuse collection in Wards Six to 29 continues to rely heavily on private contractors.

Council warned that the ageing fleet continues to undermine the reliability and efficiency of refuse collection, heightening the risk of environmental pollution and disease outbreaks.

“Furthermore, 14 of the city’s 20 refuse compactors had exceeded their economic service life and were increasingly prone to frequent mechanical breakdowns. The ageing fleet continued to undermine the reliability and efficiency of refuse collection services,” reads the report.

The report further reveals that Bulawayo’s campaign against illegal dumping has been severely weakened by a lack of transport for environmental health officers.

Despite increasing reports of indiscriminate waste disposal in residential suburbs, open spaces and along roadsides, only four tickets for illegal dumping offences were issued during the reporting period because officers were unable to conduct adequate inspections and enforcement patrols.

Council acknowledged that while environmental health officers carried out 14 community clean-up campaigns and 27 public health education sessions, enforcement remained largely ineffective because of mobility challenges.

“Given the increasing prevalence of indiscriminate waste disposal across the city, there is a pressing need to strengthen the unit through the provision of dedicated transport and additional personnel. Such support would enable the unit to intensify surveillance, public education and enforcement activities aimed at curbing illegal dumping and improving overall environmental sanitation,” the report states.

The inability to effectively police illegal dumping comes as residents continue to complain about growing illegal dumpsites, delayed refuse collection and deteriorating environmental conditions in several suburbs.

During the reporting period, council removed more than 3,9 million kilogrammes of residential solid waste from across the city, illustrating the scale of the waste management challenge confronting the local authority.

To address the long-term crisis, council said it is working with development partner Mercy Corps to develop a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Master Plan aimed at improving refuse collection, waste disposal and environmental management.

The latest revelations are likely to intensify concerns among residents over the city’s ability to maintain basic sanitation services, with ageing equipment, inadequate transport and weak law enforcement combining to undermine Bulawayo’s fight against illegal dumping and environmental degradation.

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Source: Govt open to recognising Cross Jotsholo massacre site as national liberation shrine – herald

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi says the Government is prepared to formally recognise the site of the 1979 Cross Jotsholo massacre in Matabeleland North, where 11 Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zpra) guerrillas were killed during the liberation struggle.

Responding to a question from Zimpapers during a media briefing after commissioning the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga on Friday, VP Mohadi said sites of historical significance linked to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle should not be overlooked, but proposals for their recognition must follow the established Government processes.

He said such matters should first be channelled through the relevant Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution before being referred to the Presidium for consideration.

The Cross Jotsholo massacre occurred in 1979 when 22 Zpra guerrillas travelling aboard a Pullen bus under the command of Cde Moses Moyo were ambushed by Rhodesian security forces less than a kilometre from the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road while en route to St Paul’s Assembly Point.

Eleven of the combatants were killed in the attack, while the remaining 11 escaped.

Surviving Zpra fighters have long maintained that the ambush may have been facilitated by betrayal.

Three years ago, Cde Moyo, now a farmer in Nyamandlovu, Umguza District, recalled the events of that day, saying the survivors had always suspected the bus driver.

“When the helicopter surfaced, the driver opened his door, jumped off and took flight. He was never to be seen again,” said Cde Moyo.

Forty-six years after the ambush, the fallen liberation fighters remain buried in a mass grave that has no formal monument, with only a few railway posts surrounding a tree to indicate their burial spot.

Over the years, concerned citizens and former freedom fighters have appealed to Government to preserve and develop the site into a national liberation heritage shrine through the construction of a monument, installation of road signage and improvement of access to the area.

VP Mohadi said Government was willing to consider the proposal once it is formally submitted through the appropriate channels.

“Bring such matters through the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who will then raise it with us. I happen to chair State Occasions, Monuments and Awards,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe had consistently honoured the country’s liberation history by erecting monuments both locally and in neighbouring countries where liberation fighters operated during the armed struggle.

“Tell us about such. We can’t ignore,” said VP Mohadi.

His remarks were welcomed by residents of Cross Jotsholo, who said they had long hoped the site would receive official recognition befitting the sacrifice made by the fallen liberation fighters.

Mr Mjimei Sibanda said the site had remained unrecognised despite its historical significance.

“Many people pass through this area without knowing that some of the country’s brave sons lost their lives here. We want the place to be properly marked and preserved so that future generations understand the history of the liberation struggle,” he said.

Another villager, Mr Tjulano Tshuma, said formal recognition of the site would not only honour the fallen combatants but also promote heritage tourism in the area.

“These gallant fighters gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. It is only proper that their resting place is protected and accorded the respect it deserves. A monument and proper signage would ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten,” he said.

VP Mohadi’s remarks are expected to reignite calls for the Cross Jotsholo massacre site to be declared a national liberation heritage shrine, ensuring that the sacrifice of the eleven fallen Zpra combatants is permanently commemorated for future generations.

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Source: Understanding opposition capture in Zimbabwe: not all political bribes happen in public

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Source: Direct London flights give horticulture exporters major boost – herald

Sunday Mail Reporters

THE resumption of Air Zimbabwe’s direct flights between Harare and London after a 15-year hiatus is expected to unlock significant growth in Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports by cutting transport times, preserving the cold chain and making locally grown fresh produce more competitive in one of the country’s most lucrative export markets.

It also critically comes at a time when the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe and the Middle East has disrupted global aviation, forcing airlines to reroute flights, reducing cargo capacity and driving up freight costs through war-risk surcharges and higher fuel prices.

Industry players say the restoration of the route removes one of the biggest logistical constraints that has hampered exports of highly perishable produce to the United Kingdom, where Zimbabwe enjoys duty-free and quota-free market access under the Eastern and Southern Africa-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Air Zimbabwe’s inaugural direct flight from Harare landed at London Gatwick Airport on Thursday morning carrying passengers and consignments of fresh produce, including mange tout and sugar snap peas, marking the airline’s return to one of its most important international routes.

Writing for The Sunday Mail, ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru said horticulture was the sector best positioned to benefit immediately from the restored service because speed is a critical component of the product.

“Horticulture is the first sector that should respond because time is part of the product for exporters of perishable products,” he said.

“Zimbabwe already exports blueberries, citrus, peas, vegetables and other fresh produce to the UK. The country’s climate allows growers to supply during periods when British and European production is lower, particularly in autumn and winter.”

Among products with the greatest export potential, he said, are blueberries and other berries, citrus, avocados, fresh peas, fine beans, chillies, herbs and cut flowers, all of which require strict temperature control from harvest to supermarket shelves.

Mr Majuru said the absence of direct flights had forced exporters to route cargo through regional and international hubs, exposing consignments to multiple handling points, longer transit times and breaks in the cold chain that reduced freshness and commercial value.

“Demand is present, but access depends on quality, food safety and traceability.

“But what has been the challenge with no direct flight? Every additional hour spent at an airport, every unnecessary transfer between aircraft and every break in the cold chain reduces freshness and commercial value.”

He said direct flights would significantly reduce handling, improve delivery schedules and extend shelf life, enabling Zimbabwean exporters to command better prices while reducing the risk of rejected consignments.

Produce that reaches supermarket shelves a day earlier retains its freshness for longer, commands higher prices and is less likely to be rejected because of deterioration in quality.

By preserving the cold chain from harvest to the destination, the direct service is expected to improve profitability even where production costs remain unchanged.

Mr Majuru said Zimbabwe already has a natural competitive advantage because it produces fresh horticultural products during periods when production in the UK and much of Europe is lower.

According to Trade Map data cited by ZimTrade, Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$21,26 million to the UK in 2025, with edible fruit, vegetables, roots and nuts contributing almost 37 percent of total exports, underlining the importance of horticulture to bilateral trade.

Reclaiming status

Zimbabwe was once one of Africa’s leading exporters of fresh horticultural produce.

Historical records show that between November 1999 and October 2000, approximately 7,02 million kilogrammes of horticultural produce were airfreighted from Zimbabwe to the UK, averaging about 146 tonnes every week.

“When Air Zimbabwe increased its London operation to five weekly flights after British Airways withdrew from the route in 2007, farmers could harvest produce in Zimbabwe, pack it in the afternoon, place it on an evening flight and have it available to buyers in the UK the following morning. That speed protected freshness, shelf life and value.”

The extent of gains from the resumption of the route, he added, would depend on cargo capacity, freight charges, production volumes and exporters’ ability to secure long-term supply contracts.

However, it is believed that even modest growth in horticultural exports could translate into significant additional foreign currency earnings.

Competitiveness

Stakeholders in the horticulture industry also welcomed the return of the direct service, saying it could substantially reduce transport costs and improve the competitiveness of Zimbabwean produce.

Export Produce Growers Association of Zimbabwe chairperson and Kuminda chief executive officer Mr Clarence Mwale said exporters had long struggled with rising freight costs and limited cargo capacity after the suspension of direct flights and the withdrawal of other international carriers.

“We are happy with the direct route. This has the added advantage of reaching our market within 24 hours and is cheaper than the longer South African route we were previously using,” he said.

“The airline has capacity for belly cargo, which we have used for our peas. We are looking forward to a sustainable working relationship with Air Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe is one of the UK’s major suppliers of off-season sugar snap and mange tout peas, with the EPA supporting about 5 000 small-scale farmers through skills development and market access.

The industry also provides employment for thousands of women involved in grading, packing and processing fresh produce.

Mr Mwale said geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East had disrupted global aviation, forcing airlines to reroute flights, reducing cargo capacity and driving up freight costs through war-risk surcharges and higher fuel prices.

He said Kuminda’s freight costs to Europe had risen to about US$3,80 per kilogramme this year from between US$2 and US$2,20 last year, making it increasingly difficult for Zimbabwean exporters to compete with suppliers from countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Peru.

Fresh produce exporters had consequently appealed to the governments of Zimbabwe, the UK and Netherlands to facilitate direct cargo services to London and Amsterdam in order to reduce logistics costs and restore competitiveness.

Air Zimbabwe’s Airbus A330-300 resumed scheduled services between Harare and London on Wednesday.

The route received a strong market response, with the inaugural flights securing 1 479 passengers and more than 30 tonnes of cargo.

The airline will operate three weekly services, departing Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return flights from London Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

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Source: President urges African Apostolic Church to uphold unity – herald

ictor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau

PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has called on members of the African Apostolic Church to uphold unity, remain focused and continue growing the church, saying this would honour the vision of its founder, the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha.

The President made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinomuda Machakaire during the church’s annual conference yesterday.

Also in attendance was Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.

In his address, President Mnangagwa said he had hoped to attend the gathering but was unable to do so because of other official engagements.

“It was going to be a pleasure to be joining you at this gathering. I wanted to be with you on your special day, but due to other commitments, I could not be with you.

“But I will be with you at some of your events in the future,” he said.

The President said he had enjoyed a close personal relationship with Archbishop Mwazha and expressed his desire to maintain cordial relations that existed between the Government and the church.

“I shared cordial relations with Archbishop Paul Mwazha. We were close. He was my friend. So, it is my wish for that relationship to continue, just as it was when Mutumwa Paul Mwazha was alive.

“My wish is that if this church faces any challenge, you must not hesitate to tell me. You must always have love, compassion and be forgiving,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged the congregation to preserve the values of unity and discipline that the late church leader championed.

“Mutumwa Paul Mwazha was a man who valued unity. He was a focused man. Therefore, I want this church to be united. Work hard and ensure the church grows. This was the late Archbishop Mwazha’s dream,” he said.

He also commended the church for instilling discipline among its members, particularly young people, saying this had helped them resist drug and substance abuse.

“We are aware that this church instils discipline in its congregants, and this is why youths in particular from this church are always desisting from or shunning drug and substance abuse, and I want to applaud them for that,” he said.

As a gesture of support, President Mnangagwa donated US$50 000 towards the church’s operations.

“This is towards advancing the works of the church,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Bishop Masimba Mwazha said the church would continue working closely with the Government, adding that the two shared a common vision of serving and uplifting communities.

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