BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has reportedly contained hazardous fires emanating from Ngozi Mine landfill, posing health threats to residents of Cowdray Park and Richmond.
Choking smoke from the landfill was wafting into the houses of the residents, putting the lives of residents in danger.
The residents petitioned the BCC to address the landfill air pollution, which they said was affecting them.
In 2021, the Environmental Management Agency dragged the council to court seeking an order directing the BCC to take necessary measures to properly manage the Ngozi Mine landfill waste disposal site.
Ward 28 councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu told Southern Eye that he was pleased to report that the municipality had contained the fires.
“This progress has been a welcomed change and we hope the situation will be sustained in the long term,” he said.
“I am also encouraged by the interest expressed by various entities in taking over the site for recycling and waste-to-energy projects.
“These initiatives hold great promise for providing a long-term solution to air pollution from Ngozi Mine and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”
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Ndlovu said some residents were rushed to hospital after asthmatic attacks triggered by the smoke.
“For years, this issue has been a significant challenge for our community, particularly because Cowdray Park is situated on the windward side of the site,” he said.
“The resulting smoke has forced residents to keep their windows shut and many have reported worsening respiratory conditions. The smoke has been a constant irritant, affecting the lives of many in our community.”
In their petition, residents said: “Some of the smoke filters into our houses and chokes us during our sleep at night.
“This is very unhealthy to us adults, children and the environment. This has immediate and long-term effects on our health.”
Studies have found that air pollution is linked to childhood cancers and cognitive impairment in both children and adults.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 14% of all children aged five to 18 have asthma and every year, more than 500 000 children younger than five years die from respiratory diseases linked to air pollution.
It may also affect foetal brain growth and prolonged exposure to air pollution can also lead to heart and lung-related illnesses.
