Calls for Immediate Government and Local Authority Action to Protect Public Health
By Mkhokheli Zibengwa
The Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC), under the leadership of President Timothy Mncube, has sounded the alarm over the worsening conditions at the Ngozi Mine Landfill in Richmond, Bulawayo, urging authorities to take swift and decisive action to avert a full-blown environmental and public health disaster.
The landfill, which has long been marred by poor management and persistent fires, is now being described by ZANC as a ticking time bomb threatening the health and safety of thousands of residents—particularly in Cowdray Park and nearby suburbs.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing today, President Mncube expressed deep concern about the unchecked fires at the landfill which emit thick, toxic smoke, creating an ever-present cloud of pollution over surrounding communities. The resultant air pollution has led to a spike in respiratory illnesses, with residents reporting increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic conditions.
“This is no longer a problem we can ignore or downplay. The Ngozi Mine Landfill has become a direct and dangerous threat to the people of Bulawayo. Action must be taken now—delay is not an option,” said Mncube
ZANC also raised red flags over the environmental degradation caused by the site, which is reportedly leaking contaminants into local water sources, further endangering public health. Originally designed for a 20 to 25-year lifespan, the landfill is operating far beyond its intended capacity, with obsolete equipment and no modern infrastructure in place to manage the city’s growing waste burden.
The Zimbabwe Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has repeatedly issued warnings and recommendations for corrective measures—but according to ZANC, little to no action has been taken to implement those directives. The party criticized the apparent inaction by city authorities, saying the crisis has been “swept under the rug for far too long.”
In response, ZANC has put forward a comprehensive set of recommendations, including immediate fire suppression, the acquisition of modern waste-handling equipment, and the commissioning of a feasibility study to explore the relocation of the landfill or establishment of an alternative waste processing facility. The party has also called for investment in sustainable waste management solutions such as recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives.
“This crisis is a symptom of a broader governance failure in local service delivery. But we are offering solutions. With the right investment and leadership, Bulawayo can adopt clean, sustainable waste practices that improve lives and protect our environment," he added
ZANC further demanded that community voices be prioritized through regular stakeholder consultations. The party emphasized that any future waste management solutions must be developed in collaboration with affected residents, to ensure their concerns are not only heard but acted upon.
“We cannot afford to let the health of our people be the collateral damage of administrative neglect. We urge the Bulawayo City Council, central government, and EMA to act now. The future of our city depends on it," Mncube said.
As the crisis at Ngozi Mine Landfill escalates, ZANC has vowed to keep pressing for accountability and will continue working with residents, civil society groups, and relevant government bodies to push for lasting and people-centered solutions.
