By Staff Reporter
In Bulawayo, city leaders are considering a new penalty: anyone caught urinating in public could soon face a US$200 fine.
This proposed measure is part of a broader effort to crack down on littering and dumping, with fines for those offenses set at US$50 and US$100 respectively.
The issue came to a head during a recent Council meeting, where councillors voiced frustration over public fouling and widespread litter. Councillor Dumisani Nkomo pushed for stricter penalties, arguing that lawlessness was taking over the streets and every tree seemed to become a makeshift toilet.
However, Mayor David Coltart pointed out a key problem: the city simply doesn’t have enough public toilets, especially along busy 5th Avenue, making it hard for residents to comply with the rules.
The council also noted challenges in keeping the city clean. In Ward 7, which covers areas from Mzilikazi to Sizinda and includes the bustling Renkini Rural Bus Terminus, only 15 street sweepers are on duty—far fewer than needed to keep up with the litter. The city’s bin coverage is also lacking, with vandalism further complicating waste management efforts.
Despite these obstacles, the council is determined to restore order. Local authorities are looking into increasing the number of sweepers and hope to gain new powers—like the ability to arrest offenders and set up municipal courts—through pending legislation. Councillor Nkomo believes these steps, along with the stricter fines, could help “bring sanity to the City.”
Ultimately, Bulawayo’s leaders know that fines alone won’t fix the problem. Addressing the shortage of public toilets and improving waste management are just as crucial as enforcing penalties. The hope is that, with a balanced approach, the city can become cleaner and more orderly for everyone.
