Bulawayo vaccinates 7,000 dogs ahead of tie-up order

Bulawayo officials and vets just vaccinated over seven thousand dogs in the western parts of the city. The director of health services, Edwin Mzingwane Sibanda, reported on the mass rabies campaign. It targeted concerns about stray dogs and the risk of attacks. The effort included a big push to educate people on being responsible pet owners.

This sets the stage for a stricter dog control order planned for next January. On other public health issues, the city is still struggling. Street sweeping happens daily, but illegal vending causes heavy littering. Cleanup campaigns and health talks were held, but a lack of transport means hardly any dumping tickets get issued. A private company donated fifty street bins.

The trash collection system remains a mess. Only four city trucks are usually working, disrupting schedules. Councilors praised the recent hire of more compactors from the government, but questioned using local contracted truckers due to spotty service. The health department says they still need those contractors because the city fleet is so short. Those truckers have now formed a company for a new contract. Another problem is medical waste, with the dedicated truck broken down and staff using improvised transport.