Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Bulawayo – A parked Honda Fit was reduced to ashes on Thursday morning at Nkulumane 12’s Manyenziwe Shopping Centre after a gas cylinder exploded inside the vehicle, sending shockwaves through the busy area.
Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported, though the incident has reignited concerns over public safety amid Zimbabwe’s growing reliance on gas due to chronic power shortages.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said preliminary investigations pointed to a leaking 48kg gas cylinder confined inside the car as the likely cause.
“The suspected cause is leaking gas combined with confinement within the vehicle,” he explained.
Witnesses described flames rapidly engulfing the Honda Fit, leaving only a charred shell. Traders and shoppers fled nearby stores, fearing further explosions.
Moyo emphasized the urgency of public education on gas safety, stating,
“The Bulawayo Fire Department will intensify awareness campaigns on proper handling and storage procedures.”
His remarks come as households and businesses increasingly turn to gas amid prolonged electricity outages, raising risks tied to improper use.
Litter Bin Shortage Worsens Urban Cleanliness
In a related community challenge, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has sounded the alarm over a critical shortage of litter bins, citing the deficit as a key driver of worsening waste management and environmental degradation. During a heated council meeting this week, officials lamented the city’s declining cleanliness, with plastic waste clogging drains and piling up in public spaces.
Mayor David Coltart appealed for corporate partnerships to address the crisis.
“We need more litter bins across the city to curb this threat to public health and our environment,” he said.
“This is a community-wide challenge—we urge companies to donate bins for busy areas.”
Coltart also proposed locally manufacturing bins to tackle both the shortage and youth unemployment.
“Producing our own bins could create jobs and foster skills development,” he added.
The twin issues of safety and urban waste come as Bulawayo battles to retain its reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s cleanest cities amid rapid urbanization. Coltart urged residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits, stressing,
“Every individual’s effort counts. We cannot overlook the dangers of littering.”
Meanwhile, Thursday’s gas explosion has left locals questioning enforcement of safety regulations.
“This could have been deadly if it happened near a crowd,” said Nkulumane resident Sipho Dube.
“Authorities must ensure gas sellers and users follow the rules.”
As investigations into the Honda Fit blaze continue, the council’s plea for collaboration underscores the mounting pressure on Bulawayo to balance development with sustainable solutions.
Zim GBC News©️2025