By Tatenda Sibanda
Gweru – The Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) has raised concerns over the alarming rate of uncollected domestic refuse in Gweru City and its impact on public health and environment.
In a letter to the Toown Clerk dated May 7 2025, GRRA Executive Director Cornilia Selipiwe expressed concern over the inconvenience and health risks associated with uncollected refuse to residents.
The letter was issued following weeks without refuse being collected as council sites a number of breakdowns on the refuse fleet among other issues, a situation which has left the community prone to diseases.
“The prolonged delay has led to overflowing waste on our streets, posing a serious health and environmental hazard to residents.”
“The uncollected refuse has attracted flies and rodents, emitted unpleasant odors, and created breeding grounds for diseases, “reads part of the letter
He also said the refuse buildup may also be one of the contributing factors to the recent bed bugs outbreak, increasing public health risks.
“The refuse buildup may also be contributing to an outbreak of bed bugs (Tsikidzi), as the accumulation of organic waste attracts pests into nearby homes, further exacerbating the public health risk.” he added
Meanwhile ward 5 resident, Arnold Moyo expressed frustration over inconsistency of bins collection.
“I think the city council has forgotten their priorities or they have other important issues to deal with but this. Now we are not sure of the bin collection time tables so we end up using our own money to hire private garbage collectors, “said Moyo
Residents have called on the city council to prioritize waste management and ensure refuse collection on regular schedules and inform the residents on any changes to mitigate the crisis.
Gweru City Public Relations Officer Vimbai Chingwaramusee was not available for comment.
