Pumula Residents Propose $1 Levy to Fund Safety Measures Amid “Death Pit” Crisis
Tendai Nyambara
Pumula residents in Bulawayo have proposed a community-funded initiative to address the ongoing danger posed by hazardous excavation sites locally referred to as “death pits,” following a meeting held at Pumula Old Hall on Sunday.
The meeting, organized by the Bulawayo Residents Progressive Association (BPRA), brought together community members, local leaders, and officials in response to the recent death of a child linked to the pits. Discussions focused on practical measures to improve child safety, including the rehabilitation of disused swimming pools as alternative recreational spaces.
During a feedback session, youth representatives outlined a proposal to raise funds through local digital networks. “We looked at the numbers of the Pumula WhatsApp groups that have at least 7,000 members; if we could contribute at least a dollar each, we could pay towards these swimming pools,” said Mangena, coordinator for the Youth Leadership Forum.
While some residents expressed support for the idea, others questioned why public safety infrastructure would depend on private contributions. Concerns were raised about the role of municipal authorities in maintaining recreational facilities and securing hazardous sites.
In response, Ward 19 Councillor Lazarus Mpandwe cited financial constraints facing the Bulawayo City Council. He attributed limited service delivery to low revenue collection, particularly from unpaid water bills, stating that without consistent income, the city is unable to maintain infrastructure or address safety risks.
Further challenges were highlighted by council ranger Dumisani Ncube, who described operational limitations affecting enforcement efforts. “It is difficult to address the pit issues because some residents use these sites as praying and baptizing grounds,” he said. He added that a lack of transport resources has made it difficult for rangers to monitor illegal sand extraction activities contributing to the expansion of the pits.
The meeting also addressed broader development issues in the area. Pumula Constituency, Member of Parliament Sichelesile Mahlangu announced the distribution of Starlink Wi-Fi kits to several schools across Wards 17, 19, and 27, including Dumezweni Primary and St. Bernard’s Primary and High School. She also noted ongoing efforts to assist elderly residents in obtaining birth certificates and encouraged collaboration with the Child Protection Committee to improve awareness of the BEAM school fee assistance programme.
Residents further called for accountability from both the Environmental Management Agency and the city council regarding illegal sand poaching and the failure to rehabilitate excavated land. Mahlangu acknowledged that previous local attempts to backfill pits in Pumula East had not been successful and indicated that the issue would be escalated to national government for a more sustainable solution.
On water infrastructure, Mahlangu stated that funding through the Constituency Development Fund for borehole projects is pending reapplication, with a submission scheduled for Wednesday to expedite implementation.
As discussions concluded, Mahlangu urged parents to educate children about the dangers associated with the pits. “Until the ‘death traps’ are permanently secured,” she said, community awareness remains critical to preventing further incidents.
The meeting ended with a consensus that while long-term solutions depend on government intervention, immediate safety measures may rely on a combination of community action and limited municipal capacity.
