Roseline Mutare
The High Court of Zimbabwe is set to hear an application by Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) against the City of Masvingo and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) over the continued use of Runyararo dump site.
MURRA has filed an application with the High Court of Zimbabwe, seeking an interdict against the City of Masvingo over the continued use of a dumpsite in Runyararo West which was condemned by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) after an in-depth investigation recently.
ZHRC produced a 13 page report in May 2024 after conducting its own investigations which involved interviewing residents, EMA, MURRA and City Council officials.
MURRA is seeking a court order that bars the City of Masvingo from disposing of waste at the dumpsite, citing the health and environmental risks it poses to residents. MuRRA argues that the continued use of the dumpsite violates the right to a clean and safe environment for the residents.
According to court papers, the dumpsite has been in use despite recommendations from several authorities, including the EMA, to migrate to a landfill system. The City of Masvingo has been aware of the health hazards posed by the dumpsite since 2012 but has continued to use it with impunity.
MURRA’s application is supported by the ZHRC, which has been advocating for the rights of residents affected by the dumpsite. The alliance argues that the balance of convenience favors the granting of the relief sought, as the continued use of the dumpsite causes irreparable harm to the environment and residents.
The City of Masvingo and EMA have been cited as respondents in the matter.
Details of the application are contained in a founding affidavit by MURRA director Anoziva Muguti.
Muguti argues that the residents’ association has tried to engage the City of Masvingo on several occasions, but their efforts have been fruitless hence they are seeking relief from the judiciary.
