Gweru Cracks Down on Littering with US$30 Spot Fine
Gweru City Council has introduced a US$30 spot fine for littering as authorities step up efforts to improve cleanliness and safeguard public health.
The move comes after a high-level waste management meeting involving Government departments, environmental agencies, law enforcement and civic groups, amid growing concern over illegal dumping and poor waste disposal practices.
Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said the campaign marks a decisive shift toward stricter enforcement, warning that littering poses serious health and environmental risks.
He highlighted that blocked drains and unmanaged waste are contributing to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and malaria.
Also Read: US$300 For Littering: Bulawayo Proposes Sky-High Fines In Drastic Clean-Up Bid
Authorities declare ‘war’ on litterbugs
City officials say the new penalty is part of a broader crackdown targeting individuals and businesses that dump waste illegally.
Council leadership has vowed to take a tough stance, including prosecuting offenders, as part of a wider strategy to restore order and cleanliness across the city.
Officials stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation from residents, businesses and visitors.
Waste collection capacity set for expansion
Town clerk Livingstone Churu revealed that council is upgrading its waste management infrastructure to support the initiative.
Plans are underway to increase refuse collection efficiency through the addition of new compactors, skip bins and trailers, aimed at improving service delivery and reducing uncollected waste in residential areas.
The upgrades are expected to ease pressure on the current system and discourage illegal dumping.
New strategy targets long-term sustainability
Director of health services Sam Sekenhamo said the city is rolling out an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan covering the period 2026 to 2030.
The strategy seeks to transform how waste is handled by promoting recycling, reuse and reduction, with a goal of significantly cutting the volume of waste sent to dumpsites.
Authorities say the plan aligns with national environmental sustainability targets and will help protect the urban ecosystem.
Residents urged to play their part
The Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association has called for a balanced approach, urging both council and residents to fulfill their responsibilities.
Community representatives emphasised the need for consistent refuse collection, while also encouraging residents to avoid dumping waste in undesignated areas such as storm drains.
Enforcement agencies back campaign
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has pledged to intensify enforcement, warning that offenders will face immediate penalties.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it is ready to support efforts to curb environmental violations and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
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