Simbarashe Moyo, chairperson of the Combined Harare Residents Association, said there was disturbing information that a significant number of its refuse collection vehicles had broken down, incapacitating the local authority’s ability to clean up the city.
“We call upon Harare to prioritise refuse collection and other essential services as they have everything to do with human lives,” said Moyo, advising the council to service its fleet of refuse collection vehicles as a matter of urgency.
He also urged residents to play their part by minimising refuse dumping around residential and industrial areas and suggested they start recycling in earnest. The bulk of dumped refuse could be recycled earning residents much-needed cash.
Road junctions and bus termini in the Central Business District have become an eye sore as refuse continues to pile up, while residential areas such as Matapi Flats in Mbare and other surrounding high density suburbs have not been spared.
Michael Chideme, spokesperson for the city council, downplayed the gravity of the situation. “Cleaning the city is an ongoing exercise and by next week there will not be any uncollected refuse in sight. It is not true that the local authority is facing transport challenges, as over 40 of the 47 refuse collection trucks are on the road,” he said.
However, inside sources say a third of the trucks have broken down.
Post published in: News