The High Court has issued a decisive ruling against the City of Masvingo, ordering the immediate cessation of all waste disposal activities at the controversial dumpsite in the Runyararo West suburb. The court found the site to be a significant threat to public health and the environment, affirming that continued use of the facility violates constitutional rights.
Delivered on Monday, 24 June 2025, by Justice Sunsley Zisengwe, the ruling follows a legal application brought forward by the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) in partnership with local resident Kudakwashe Mago. The applicants were represented by human rights lawyer Yolander Chandata, of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
In a detailed judgment, Justice Zisengwe granted an interdict against the City Council, barring it from continuing operations at the Runyararo West dumpsite. He also directed the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to monitor the council’s adherence to the court order and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
While the court granted the interdict, it also issued a temporary stay on its enforcement—delaying the full shutdown of the site until 31 December 2025. This grace period allows the local authority time to wind down operations at the site and transition its waste disposal efforts to the Cambria Farm landfill facility, which has been earmarked as a more suitable and environmentally compliant location.
High Court Orders Masvingo to Shut Down Hazardous Dumpsite in Runyararo West
The legal action was prompted by growing concerns among residents about the hazards posed by the dumpsite, which is situated alarmingly close to homes in Runyararo West. In their application, MURRA and Mago cited persistent smoke from burning garbage, the spread of disease, offensive odours, and the degradation of air and water quality as some of the urgent issues impacting the community.
The residents argued that the continued use of the dumpsite violated Section 73 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being. The court concurred, ruling that the City of Masvingo had failed to uphold its duty to safeguard environmental and public health.
“This judgment is a landmark victory for communities who have long suffered in silence,” said MURRA spokesperson Charles Moyo. “For years, residents have been forced to live next to a toxic waste site that endangers their health, their children’s well-being, and the surrounding ecosystem. This ruling affirms our right to live in a clean, safe, and dignified environment.”
The dumpsite has been the subject of numerous complaints over the years, with residents accusing the local council of neglect and mismanagement. Fires caused by spontaneous combustion or illegal burning of waste were common, often filling the air with thick, acrid smoke. The situation had become untenable, prompting civic organizations to escalate their demands for government intervention.
Environmental experts have also welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a step forward for environmental justice and improved waste management practices in urban Zimbabwe. “This sets a precedent,” said Tafadzwa Madondo, an independent environmental consultant. “Councils across the country need to understand that poor waste management is not just an administrative issue—it’s a human rights concern.”
The ruling now places the City of Masvingo under intense pressure to find and implement sustainable waste disposal methods. With the deadline of 31 December 2025 looming, city officials must accelerate preparations for the transition to Cambria Farm, which, according to planning documents, is equipped to handle large volumes of waste in an environmentally sound manner.
In the interim, the court expects the city to put in place mitigation measures to minimize further environmental harm. This includes improved waste containment, fire control protocols, and the cessation of illegal dumping at the site.
Local stakeholders are also calling on national and provincial governments to provide support to ensure the smooth implementation of the court order. They stress that achieving environmental safety requires both political will and adequate resources.
As Masvingo moves toward the closure of the Runyararo West dumpsite, residents remain cautiously optimistic. While the ruling marks a significant step toward restoring their right to a clean environment, many are calling for transparency and community involvement in the development of the city’s new waste management strategy.
For the residents of Runyararo West, the court’s decision offers hope that after years of neglect, their voices have finally been heard—and that meaningful change is now within reach.
Source- Bulawayo24
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