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Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]

BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is set to relocate the Richmond landfill, commonly known as “Ngozi Mine” in response to growing pollution concerns by residents amid calls for partnerships with a private sector for a waste-to-energy project at the dumpsite.

The intervention is expected to safeguard residents in nearby suburbs, as well as learners at Cowdray Park High School and Tategulu Primary Schools, from the harmful effects of smoke and air pollution caused by sporadic fires at the landfill.

Commissioned in 1994 with a 20-year lifespan, the Richmond Landfill has become an environmental hazard due to frequent fires. The fires, exacerbated by high summer temperatures, release thick clouds of smoke that affect the health and quality of life of nearby communities.

In the latest council minutes, councillors unanimously adopted a resolution to relocate the landfill and explore a waste-to-energy partnership with a private contractor. The project would involve harvesting gases from the landfill, turning a liability into a potential source of revenue for the city.

Ward 28 Councillor, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, who spearheaded the proposal, highlighted the plight of residents in affected areas.

“Residents are raising concerns about air pollution, which is not only affecting households but also schools like Tategulu Primary and Cowdray Park Secondary,” he said.

Clr Ndlovu’s motion was seconded by Ward 6 Councillor Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu, who said the local authority would reap financial benefits from a waste-to-energy project.

Ngozi Mine

Clr Mpofu said the constant fires that break out at Ngozi Mine are a serious cause for concern. He proposed that a joint health, housing and education committee together with the town lands and planning committee do a site visit to the landfill.

Ward 9 Councillor Donaldson Mabuto pointed to the lack of proper equipment as a contributing factor to the persistent fires. He noted that gas reactions occurring underground could be harnessed by private contractors for energy generation.

A Chronicle news crew spoke to several Cowdray Park residents who welcomed the proposal from councillors saying this was long overdue.

“During August to mid-November, fires broke out almost daily at Ngozi Mine. The rains have helped, but we need a permanent solution,” said Mrs Noma Phiri.

Her house is part of a residential area in the sprawling suburb that has, of late, been choking from clouds of smoke billowing from Ngozi Mine.

Another resident, Ms Anita Ndlovu, added: “The smoke from Ngozi Mine drifts directly into our homes, especially during summer. Relocating the landfill and controlling the fires would bring much-needed relief to our community.”

Dumpsite fires, also known as landfill fires, are notoriously difficult to extinguish for several reasons.

BCC communications manager, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said it was normal for fires to break out at landfills due to the nature of the materials dumped there.

“Waste disposal sites are obnoxious but necessary. They receive all kinds of waste. Putrescible waste gives rise to odour and flies nuisance challenges, whereas some inorganic waste, such as old batteries, present fire hazards when subjected to pressure through compaction, a normal landfill maintenance process,” she said.

Mrs Mpofu said there were waste disposal sites that preceded Richmond, which include Sobukhazi High School grounds, a site opposite Matshobana and Hyde Park behind the cemetery.

The proposed waste-to-energy project is seen as a transformative step. By extracting gases like methane and converting them into energy, the city can reduce environmental hazards while generating revenue. This initiative aligns with global trends toward sustainable waste management and renewable energy.