Bulawayo City Council Calls for Police Support to Combat Water Theft and Unlawful Vendors
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has voiced urgent concerns about rampant theft from the city’s water distribution network and the proliferation of unauthorised vendors and taxis. The council is calling for immediate assistance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police to combat these issues, which are damaging both infrastructure and community order.
Water theft has become a pressing problem, with multiple reports of individuals and businesses illegally extracting water using large bowsers.
Mayor Coltart made the council’s position clear saying, “Those found doing this should be arrested and not just fined for breach of our bylaws. They should be charged with theft and malicious damage to property.”
He emphasised that the equipment used for these illegal activities should be seized and retained as evidence in criminal proceedings.
The mayor highlighted that the municipal police lack the capacity and legal authority to effectively address these criminal activities.
“We desperately need the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police as we seek to combat this lawlessness,” Coltart stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Without support from higher authorities, local efforts may be futile.
In addition to water theft, the council is grappling with the unchecked presence of unauthorised vendors and taxis operating in areas not designated for such activities. This issue poses a direct threat to the ongoing Egodini project, a vital initiative for the city’s development.
“The entire Egodini project is now under threat because of this proliferation of taxis and vendors who are operating illegally,” Coltart lamented, emphasising the detrimental impact on planned city improvements.
Council members reiterated that the municipal police are limited in their ability to restore order.
“Once again, there is a limit to what our municipal police can do to maintain law and order,” he declared, calling for the active involvement of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to help curb these illegal activities.
During the meeting, officials made a heartfelt appeal to residents and government authorities alike.
“I use this opportunity to make that appeal to all the residents of our city, but a specific appeal to government and to the Zimbabwe Republic Police to assist us,” Coltart urged.
The council’s call for action was loud and clear. “We can speak as long as we like, but without the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, our efforts will be in vain,” Coltart concluded, calling for a collaborative approach to restore law and order in the city.
The city council is expected to continue discussions on these issues in upcoming meetings, with hopes of establishing a more effective partnership with law enforcement agencies. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to water theft or unauthorised vending as the council works to address these pressing challenges.
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