Bulawayo Residents Demand Urgent Mosquito Control as Rainy Season Intensifies

As rain sweeps through Bulawayo, mosquito populations are soaring, prompting residents to call on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to ramp up mosquito control measures across the city.

Rising mosquito numbers have become a pressing issue, with stagnant water and foul-smelling rivers exacerbating the situation. The mosquitoes are flourishing, leaving communities increasingly frustrated.

In Northend, residents highlight areas around Long Road and Yeatman Street, where the stench from Mazayi River is luring more mosquitoes. The problem, they say, is now intolerable.

A Northend resident shared her concerns, stating, “The smell from the river near the bridge attracts even more mosquitoes. When will effective control measures finally be implemented?”

Ward 2 Councillor, Rendani Moyo, responded by assuring that the BCC’s pest control team had been alerted to the escalating mosquito problem. Residents, however, remain skeptical.

Moyo revealed that BCC has already begun “larviciding,” applying fenitrothion to breeding grounds to cut down mosquito populations. Yet residents argue these efforts are insufficient.

In a recent meeting, Moyo discussed the mosquito crisis with the Health Housing and Education Committee, anticipating an updated report from the Health Services Director. But many locals are calling for broader actions.

“The mosquitoes are everywhere, in all neighborhoods,” Ward 2 resident Mr. Dubley emphasized. Others share his frustration, demanding comprehensive solutions beyond the current initiatives.

Several residents are advocating for aerial spraying, suggesting it could bring relief more effectively than current efforts. One resident proposed an extensive spraying campaign across all homes in the city.

“Bulawayo needs aerial spraying,” she said. “Spraying all households would push back the mosquito problem for years. We need more than piecemeal solutions.”

Concerns extend beyond Northend. Richmond residents have similarly voiced grievances, with one stating, “Our area has been ignored for years. Mosquitoes here are becoming an overwhelming problem.”

The rising costs of city services add to residents’ frustration. Despite increased service fees, residents argue they see little improvement in the council’s response to their growing issues.

Helmand Shoko, a local, criticized the council’s approach to financial management. “Our service charges keep rising, but service delivery falls short. Where is the accountability?”

Shoko expressed disappointment in the widening gap between service costs and what residents receive in return, a view echoed across multiple neighborhoods.

The rainy season only intensifies the city’s mosquito problem, as residents seek urgent action. From public health concerns to mounting frustration, calls for better pest control have reached a critical point.