BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is engaging a Canadian organisation to manage the city’s Ngozi mine landfill amid rising concerns of hazardous emissions from the site.
This was revealed by mayor David Coltart after councillors demanded answers on what the local authority was doing to properly manage the landfill during a recent full council meeting.
Councillors raised fears that the municipality risks attracting lawsuits from residents and other stakeholders who have been complaining about air pollution at Ngozi mine.
Ward 28 councillor, Ntandoyenkosi, Ndlovu accused council of failing to properly manage the landfill situated in Richmond.
“Residents complained about the fire outbreaks at the landfill site which had resulted in air pollution,” Ndlovu said, adding that council had failed to adjudicate special interest tenders that were advertised in 2024 to manage the site.
“Council should have a plan before it is forced by the government to accept Geo Pomona to manage the landfill.”
Councillor Siboniso Moyo concurred complaining about the rising cases of fire incidences at the site, posing health hazard to communities residing near the area.
“There was a need to weigh the benefits of keeping the landfill site at its current location or pay the US$2 million to fund the landfill site relocations,’’ Moyo added.
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Councillor Thandiwe Moyo accused council management of failing to implement resolutions aimed at addressing the problem.
“Good solutions proposed, but very slow implementation,” she said.
“Cowdray Park expected the council to provide a permanent solution to the landfill site.”
Councilor Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu said: “The issue should be treated in the same manner as other emergencies that have affected council.
“The smoke from the landfill site mainly affects Cowdray Park residents, who have other service delivery challenges.”
Councillor Sikhulekile Moyo explained that fire outbreaks at the landfill site had been contained.
“Plant equipment is on the ground at the landfill site,” she said.
“A lot of compressing, compacting and covering would be done at the landfill site.”
Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu supported the upgrading of the landfill site to a world standard waste management site
He added that the landfill site management contracts should be awarded to local bidders.
Coltart said a Canadian organisation had expressed interest in the landfill management.
“All contracts should be in the best interest of the residents,” he added.
“The current landfill site was located at a strategic position, which was next to a railway line connecting the country with other countries.
“This should be viewed as an advantage.”
