Bulawayo City Council Urged to Recognize Waste Collectors' Efforts

Ward 5 Councillor Dumisani Nkomo has called on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to acknowledge and formalize the work of waste collectors who are helping to keep the city streets clean. Nkomo stated that there are many "non-formal waste pickers" who are not part of the system, and the local authority should integrate them into its waste management policies and by-laws as they play a key role in maintaining the city's cleanliness.

Bulawayo's deputy mayor, Edwin Ndlovu, previously urged waste collectors to formalize their cooperatives to be recognized during policy formulation. The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) has also called on the city to craft policies that serve the interests of waste collectors.

Why this matters: The recognition and formalization of waste collectors' efforts by the Bulawayo City Council could lead to improved waste management and cleaner streets in the city. It also highlights the important role that informal workers play in maintaining urban environments.

Nkomo suggested that the city should strengthen enforcement against littering and adopt a "Clean Cities Index" to constantly measure the city's cleanliness. "There are many non-formal waste pickers who are not part of the system, and the local authority should integrate them into its waste management policies and by-laws as they play a key role in maintaining the city's cleanliness," Nkomo stated.

The calls for recognition and formalization of waste collectors' efforts in Bulawayo emphasize the importance of inclusive waste management policies that acknowledge the contributions of informal workers. As the city council considers these proposals, it has the opportunity to create a more sustainable and equitable system for keeping Bulawayo's streets clean.

Key Takeaways

• Councillor Nkomo calls for BCC to formalize waste collectors' work
• Waste collectors play key role in maintaining city's cleanliness
• BCC urged to integrate informal waste pickers into policies
• Formalization could improve waste management and city's cleanliness
• Inclusive waste policies can create sustainable, equitable system