By Hazvinei Mwanaka
Masvingo City Council will decommission the Runyararo West dumpsite on November 15 and migrate to the new 10-hectare landfill at Cambria Farm, Mayor Councillor Aleck Tabe has announced.
The landfill, acquired in 2019, is located on the western outskirts of the city.
Urgency and Delays
The announcement came during a full council meeting after Councillor Ben Muchokwa questioned prolonged delays.
“When I joined Council, the issue was already topical.
“At some point, there was an official opening of Cambria Farm and we were told it was ready for use.
“It would be unfair to say we need more time,” Cllr Muchokwa said.
Mayor Tabe attributed the delay partly to equipment having been diverted for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.
“All equipment has now been moved to Cambria Farm.
“On November 15 we will decommission the dumpsite and move.
“Those from the rural district council will have to make arrangements for disposing of their waste,” Cllr Tabe said.
He added Council will clear the site and may allocate residential stands on it to prevent illegal dumping from resuming.
Years of Resident Outcry and Litigation
Residents of Runyararo West have for years complained of smoke, flies and foul odour affecting their health and living conditions.
The outcry has drawn national attention.
In 2024 the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission flagged violations of environmental rights and administrative justice linked to the dumpsite.
The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) also petitioned Council over continued use of the site.
Recently, the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) approached the High Court.
Then in June 2025, the court ordered Council to vacate the site by December 31.
The November 15 decommissioning now puts Council ahead of the court deadline and is expected to bring long-awaited relief to affected residents.
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