MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU City Council has intensified a crackdown on littering, introducing a US$30 spot fine for individuals and businesses caught dumping waste in public places as authorities move to curb rising public health risks linked to poor waste management.
The move follows a waste management sensitisation workshop with residents’ representatives and business operators, which authorities say was aimed at rallying stakeholders to tackle growing waste disposal challenges in the Midlands capital.
Council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee told The Midweek Watch that the local authority has since rolled out a citywide awareness drive under the “Bin it, don’t thrash it” campaign.
“We are moving around every corner of the city to ensure that all businesses comply with council regulations requiring them to have enough waste bins at their premises,” Chingwaramusee said.
“Those found without bins will be fined US$30, and those who throw litter anywhere will also be spot fined.”
She said the campaign seeks to ensure that waste bins are readily available across the city to discourage indiscriminate dumping of litter.
The enforcement measures are part of the implementation of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (2026–2030), a strategy designed to reduce uncontrolled dumping and improve environmental health in the city.
Last week, Gweru mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko warned that poor waste disposal practices were exposing residents to the risk of disease outbreaks.
He said the local authority had declared war on litterbugs to curb environmental pollution, with a focus on prosecuting individuals and companies that dump waste at illegal sites.
As part of the anti-litter campaign, council will also strengthen its refuse collection capacity by procuring six refuse compactors, 20 skip bins and two tractor-drawn skip trailers.
