Peter Tanyanyiwa

Harare residents have expressed concern over the frequent fire outbreaks at Pomona dumpsite and have urged the local authority to look for an alternative dumpsite and possibly turn the Pomona one into a recycling center.

The concern from residents was triggered by yet another fire outbreak at Pomona dumpsite over the weekend.

Efforts to put out the fire are still currently on-going, with residents, council and the army having come together to donate resources and manpower.

An extensive cloud of smoke emanating from the fire outbreak at the dumpsite has caused significant air pollution in Harare’s northern and western suburbs.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Combined Residents and Ratepayers Association (ZICORRA)’s Harare provincial coordinator Mr Lawrence Kuleya said:

“The dumpsite caught fire over the weekend. It is usually caused by spontaneous combustion from heat deep down and warmer midday temperatures. The smoke from this dumpsite is affecting many of the surrounding communities right into neighbouring wards.

“Many Harare residents are now appealing to authorities to look for another dumpsite elsewhere outside communities. They should rather turn that dumpsite into a powerhouse, a recycling plant or something else,” said Kuleya.

Residents stepped in to help as they saw that it was in the interests of all Harare residents work together to get the fire under control as quickly as possible. 

There is a great shortage of machinery and equipment, as well as other resources needed. Residents thanked the Zimbabwe National Army from the Pomona Barracks as they came in to assist with manpower.

Council spokesperson Michael Chideme was quoted saying council was making frantic efforts to contain the fire.

In a statement from residents circulated on Monday residents working to restore the dumpsite gave an update on the donated and the progress that had been made.

“With thanks to Jacob Mafume council finally deployed six tippers, one bulldozer, one front loader (donated), one fire tender from the Airforce with a capacity of 10,000 litres, an 800 litres firetender from council. 

A donated 10,000 litres water tanker. Excavator from Council and another one is being sought,” a statement issued on Monday read.

Residents testified that the person coordinating the recovery efforts Helen Davidson has been a Godsend as she is coordinating donations and also providing  lunches to over 30 personnel on the ground from Council and Airforce. 

The road leading to the dumpsite has since been closed by the Zimbabwe National Army whose barracks are adjacent to the dumpsite.

EMA recently said that they had since banned the use of dumpsites and advocated for landfills.