MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The City of Gweru has doubled its spot fine for littering and illegal waste dumping to US$50, stepping up enforcement as the local authority battles illegal dumpsites, blocked drains and mounting waste-management problems.
The increase from US$30 was approved at a full council meeting on Monday as authorities seek to compel residents and businesses to use designated disposal sites.
Mayor Cllr Martin Chivhoko said previous measures had not adequately deterred illegal dumping.
“The increase in the spot fine is a deliberate deterrent against littering and illegal dumping. We cannot continue to tolerate behaviour that undermines the cleanliness of the city and puts public health at risk,” Chivhoko said.
“This is not about raising revenue. It is about changing behaviour. Residents, businesses and visitors must understand that keeping Gweru clean is a shared responsibility, and those who deliberately dump waste in undesignated places will have to pay for that conduct.”
Council invoked Section 219 of the Urban Councils Act, which empowers local authorities to fix tariffs and charges for services and other matters within their jurisdiction.
The tougher penalty comes as Gweru grapples with illegal dumpsites and waste accumulating in undesignated areas, while blocked drains have added to environmental and public health risks.
Council has described the campaign as a “war on litterbugs”, targeting individuals and companies that illegally dispose of waste.
Authorities are also expanding refuse collection capacity through procurement of additional waste collection vehicles.
In addition, the Midlands capital is implementing an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan for the period 2026-2030, which seeks to shift the city from a traditional collect and dispose system towards a circular-economy model.
Under the plan, council aims to reduce the proportion of waste sent to dumpsites from nearly 100% to 40% through recycling, reuse and waste prevention.
It also resolved to formalize the work of waste pickers and recyclers, giving them a structured role in the city’s waste-management system.
The latest increase follows an awareness campaign launched earlier this year, including programmes targeting schools and churches to promote responsible waste disposal.
Residents’ groups have previously urged council to match enforcement with reliable refuse collection, arguing that inadequate services could encourage illegal dumping.
The US$50 fine marks a shift towards tougher enforcement, with council seeking to make illegal disposal more costly while improving waste management across the city.
