Tiyani Hahlani

The City of Masvingo has approved a US$1.12 million plan to transform the long-standing environmental hazard of the Runyararo dumpsite into a community asset, following a resolution passed at its November full council meeting.

The ambitious reclamation project, which includes plans to build a new school on the former dumpsite, comes as the local authority faces mounting legal pressure.

The Masvingo High Court has issued a firm order compelling the city to vacate the site by December 31.

Council resolved to partner with Black Smile Investment in what officials describe as a comprehensive environmental overhaul of the 8.25 hectare site.

According to official documents, the US$1 120 000 budget allocates US$165 000 for the construction of a specialised waste burial cell, US$690 000 for large-scale waste excavation, and US$106 775 for topsoil lining and re-vegetation.

At the centre of the project is a proposed US$230 000 school facility, intended to convert the former dumpsite from an environmental liability into a hub of learning for surrounding communities.

Despite council approval of this “waste-to-education” model, the project’s timeline remains under intense scrutiny.

The High Court’s December 31 deadline leaves the city with limited time to transition its waste management operations.

Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe said works at the dumpsite are expected to begin in January next year.

“The equipment that we require is already catered for in the 2026 budget, and we will decommission the dumpsite in January next year,” Tabe said.

While council plans for the partnership with Black Smile Investment to commence only after the Cambria Farm Sanitary Landfill becomes fully operational, the court-imposed deadline may force the city to accelerate its relocation to the new facility to avoid legal consequences.

Council officials have maintained that the partnership is central to establishing a sustainable waste management system.

By synchronising the reclamation of Runyararo dumpsite with the opening of the Cambria Farm landfill, the city aims to transition to modern, sanitary waste disposal solutions.

As the deadline approaches, attention is focused on whether Masvingo can successfully migrate its waste management services to Cambria Farm in time to comply with the court order, while laying the groundwork for the multi-million-dollar reclamation project to proceed as planned.