The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is waging a war on multiple fronts against environmental degradation. Illegal gold mining, sand poaching, and firewood theft are wreaking havoc on the city’s ecosystem, threatening its already strained water supply.

The BCC has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal gold mining, particularly in critical catchment areas like Umzingwane. In April alone, 83 patrols resulted in the arrest of 12 illegal gold panners, and 45 tools were confiscated. The use of metal detectors by illegal miners is accelerating land degradation, leaving behind gaping pits and altered landscapes.

Sand poaching is another environmental concern plaguing the city. In recent operations, council rangers impounded five trucks, two wheelbarrows, and over 100 tools used in sand extraction operations. Thirty-seven tickets were issued, raising over US$2,000 in fines. Sand poaching is not only destroying natural habitats but also affecting the city’s waterways.

Prolonged load shedding has led to a surge in firewood poaching. Residents are cutting down trees for cooking fuel, exacerbating environmental degradation. The council has impounded scotch carts and wheelbarrows, and offenders are being charged for breaching environmental by-laws. This trend is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to the city’s ecosystem.

The city is also grappling with stray donkeys that have become a nuisance in suburbs bordering peri-urban areas. The land inspectorate is struggling to respond effectively due to logistical challenges. The stray donkeys are causing damage to property and infrastructure, adding to the city’s woes.

Mayor David Coltart has warned that the situation is alarming and requires urgent attention. The BCC is calling for greater collaboration with law enforcement, communities, and government agencies to address the environmental crisis. “We must treat this as an emergency,” Coltart said. “If we lose our catchments, we lose our future.” The city needs a comprehensive plan to tackle these environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future.

The BCC’s efforts to combat environmental degradation are crucial to the city’s survival. By working together with stakeholders, the city can mitigate the effects of environmental degradation and ensure a sustainable future. The question remains: can Bulawayo overcome its green crisis and emerge stronger?
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