Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has demanded the immediate ban of residential garden and bush fires after a catastrophic incident resulted in substantial property damage. The mayor’s urgent request comes in response to a destructive fire that burned down a home in the Burnside area, causing an estimated US$500,000 in losses.
The devastating blaze occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a property on Arnold Way while the homeowners were vacationing abroad. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire originated during land clearance activities, where occupants were preparing the site for new construction. The flames rapidly escalated beyond control, consuming the entire residence before firefighters could contain the emergency.
Bulawayo Mayor Demands Immediate Ban on Garden Fires Following Devastating Blaze
Mayor Coltart emphasised that existing municipal regulations under Clause 31 regarding Property Maintenance are inadequate to address fire hazards effectively. The current legislation merely prohibits activities that create a nuisance but fails to address the dangers of open-flame gardening practices comprehensively.
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“Our present regulations lack the necessary scope and authority,” stated Coltart. “I have formally requested an immediate reassessment of our fire prevention statutes. We must implement a comprehensive prohibition on all residential burning activities and establish substantially more severe penalties for violations.”
Eco-Friendly Alternatives Promoted
The mayor actively encouraged residents to adopt sustainable waste management practices as alternatives to burning. He highlighted composting as a superior solution for managing garden refuse, noting that organic materials typically burned could be transformed into nutrient-rich compost for vegetable cultivation.
“We should enhance the value of our garden waste through composting rather than destroying property and jeopardising lives through dangerous burning practices,” Coltart emphasised.
Increased Fire Safety Measures Urged
This recent emergency has intensified demands for strengthened enforcement of fire prevention protocols and a comprehensive revision of urban safety legislation. City authorities emphasise the critical need for prompt intervention to safeguard both residents and property throughout Bulawayo, particularly in high-risk zones like Burnside.
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Municipal officials are expected to review proposed regulatory changes in the coming weeks, with increased patrols and public awareness campaigns planned for the current fire season.
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The post Bulawayo Mayor Demands Immediate Ban on Garden Fires Following Burnside House Fire appeared first on iHarare News.
