Hwange institutes a raft of measures to deal with illegal dumping sites

By Thandeka Matebesi

Hwange Local Board (HLB) has embarked on an exercise to clear all illegal dumping sites within its area of jurisdiction.

HLB Public Relations Officer Mr Dumisani Nsingo said that the exercise is being carried out following an increase in illegal dumping around residential areas.

“The exercise is being carried out by Council’s Department of Housing and Community Services through its Health and Environment section. This (exercise) comes after the local authority noted with concern an increase in illegal solid waste dumping in residential areas and along main roads”, said Nsingo.

Nsingo added that HLB will also sensitise the public on proper waste disposal.

“As part of discouraging the culture of littering among its various stakeholders especially the residents, Council offers a reward to anyone who reports individuals seen dumping waste in the open. It also penalises illegal dumping, littering, litter flying off vehicles and failure to have bins on premises. To this end, council is encouraging residents to be responsible citizens by way of keeping their environment clean”, he said. 

In a bid to regulate waste management, HLB has imposed stiff penalties on would-be-offenders as well as lucrative   rewards for whistle blowers with regards waste management.

Illegal dumping will attract a fine of $291.06 while drivers and or passengers who let litter fly off vehicles should be prepared to part with $420. Residents engaged in general littering would also be required to pay a fine of $420. Residents who fail to have bins on their premises are subject to a $700 fine.

HLB waste collection timetable;
Monday: Empumalanga Phase 1/ Old Empumalanga
Tuesday: Bagdad and DRC areas
Wednesday: Baobab, Chibondo and Industrial areas