Bulawayo Proposes US$300 Littering Fine In Shock Move

Bulawayo Proposes Sky-High Littering Fines In Drastic Clean-Up Bid

The city of Bulawayo is proposing a seismic shift in its fight against litter, with plans to raise fines for offenders by a staggering 900 percent. This move would see the current maximum penalty of US$30 (approx. R540) skyrocket to a hefty US$300 (approx. R5,400). The proposal has ignited a city-wide debate, with residents largely backing tougher penalties but urging caution over the sheer scale of the increase and its potential implementation.

Residents Back Stricter Measures, But Question The Price Tag

The Bulawayo City Council argues that the current fines, which range from a Level 1 fine of US$5 (approx. R90) to a Level 3 fine of US$30, are no longer a meaningful deterrent, particularly for businesses. The push for a review was championed during a recent full council meeting. This sentiment is shared by some community leaders, who view it as a necessary step toward a cleaner urban environment.

Michael Ndiweni, the director of the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association, voiced his strong support for the council’s plan. He directly linked the proposal to international environmental principles.

“It’s a very good recommendation. Even the Kyoto Protocol says the polluter pays. It is your responsibility to keep the city clean. I fully support council because I think there are no effective or punitive measures for littering, including for companies,” Ndiweni said.

Fears Of Excessive Fines And Corrupt Enforcement

Despite the broad agreement that littering is a serious problem, the proposed figure of US$300 has raised significant concerns. Winos Dube, the chairperson of the Bulawayo Residents Association (BURA), believes such a sharp increase is too severe for the average citizen. He advocates for a more moderate adjustment.

“For starters, we do not condone littering. However, increasing fines from US$30 to US$300 is too harsh. We understand the intention is to deter people, but what about someone who mistakenly litters? Will they be able to pay such an amount?” Dube questioned.

Echoing the concerns about fairness, local resident Chengeto Rwizi from Pelanda West worries that the high fines could fuel corruption among the very officers tasked with enforcement. She fears the system could be abused for personal gain.

“It’s good for the fines to go up, but I foresee a situation where innocent people may be accused of littering and officers demand ‘freedom money’ [a local term for a bribe] far less than the official fine. The proposal is noble—our city must regain its status—but enforcement must be fair,” said Rwizi.

A City At A Crossroads

As the proposal moves through the council’s Health, Housing and Education Committee, chaired by Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo, the city finds itself at a crossroads. The overwhelming consensus is that Bulawayo must tackle its litter problem head-on. The central question remains whether a 900 percent fine hike is the most effective and equitable solution, or if a more balanced approach is needed to ensure the city’s cleanliness drive does not unfairly punish residents or create new opportunities for corruption. The outcome of this debate will significantly shape the future look and feel of Zimbabwe’s second city.