Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
The Bulawayo City Council is cracking down on companies illegally dumping raw effluent into rivers and streams, putting residents at risk of waterborne diseases.
The situation is worse on the river popularly known as Mazai. This river passes through both heavy and light industrial sites of the City of Bulawayo.
In some instances it passes through populated suburbs such as Thorngrove, Makokoba, Burombo Flats, Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi, Thokozani Flats, North End towards Umguza river.
Mazai River is an example of the ongoing river pollution dating decades that has been ignored for years by both the City Council and Environmental Management Agency (EMA) because of the docility of residents.
The stench of the contaminated waters in Mazai River in Bulawayo, coupled with smog and gasoline, produce just the perfect concoction that will make your nose sting.
Everyday as commuters passby Makokoba, they cover their mouths and noses, but careless to discuss as to why this river is so much contaminated. No one is aware of the health hazards posed by the stench and pollution.
Right next to the river on 11th Avenue Makokoba is a football field that is used by young boys.
Kicked out of proportion the ball will find its way into the river full of pollutants. A young boy will rum to retrieve the ball from the water oblivious of the dangers posed.
“It’s unacceptable that some streams have turned into a dark color due to industrial waste,” said Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart.
“We need to hold these companies accountable for their actions.”
According to the council’s latest report, several companies have been identified as polluters and are facing penalties.
“A report has been submitted to the Environmental Management Agency regarding the leach pad at Ncema,” said a council official.
The council’s Water Engineering section has confirmed that the polluting companies are known and are facing sanctions.
“We will not tolerate this kind of environmental recklessness,” said Mayor Senator Coltart.
“We must protect our water sources and ensure that our residents have access to clean and safe water.”
The council’s efforts to address the issue are ongoing, with regular monitoring and enforcement actions being taken against offending companies.
“We will continue to work towards a cleaner and healthier environment for our residents,” said the Mayor.
In the meantime, residents who live along the river bank have no choice but to continue with this stench which has become a second nature to them.
Why not? Who cares?
Zim GBC News©2024