Residents of Victoria Ranch in Masvingo have issued an urgent call to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), urging swift enforcement of environmental health regulations to prevent an escalating public health crisis driven by poor waste management and uncontrolled pollution.
In a strongly worded letter dated October 21, 2025, addressed to the EMA Director for Masvingo, residents stated that the area is facing a severe public health crisis due to grossly inadequate basic environmental services, particularly refuse collection. The residents argue that the primary land developers have failed to fulfill their obligations to provide or maintain proper waste disposal infrastructure.
The failure to provide sustainable waste management systems has resulted in the widespread and indiscriminate dumping of domestic refuse in open spaces throughout the high-density suburbs. “Widespread dumping of domestic waste, including hazardous materials such as used diapers and decomposing food waste, has become rampant in open spaces,” the letter stated. “This situation has led to an unbearable stench, significant soil contamination, and a dramatically increased risk of communicable disease outbreaks.”
The residents stressed that the EMA has a non-negotiable legal and regulatory responsibility to enforce environmental health standards in all residential areas. They specifically demanded that the agency penalize both individuals and corporate entities responsible for violating waste management regulations.
Residents of Victoria Ranch residential area in Masvingo urban have lived as outsiders for years now after the commissioning of the area, and they feel city fathers are neglecting them by failing to offer good service delivery privileges that other rate payers are enjoying.
Victoria Ranch was established by land developers on land under Ward 2 of the Masvingo Rural District Council (RDC), with infrastructure development overseen by the Masvingo City Council. Over the years, residents have depended on a limited number of boreholes scattered throughout the area. They now hold Masvingo City Council accountable for persistent water shortages, inadequate refuse collection, the absence of sewer systems, and poorly maintained, dusty roads.
Considering ongoing challenges, Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) urges the central government to intervene and support local efforts to enhance service delivery in Victoria Ranch. The community’s persistent desire for reliable and efficient services remains unmet, contributing to daily hardship. Yet, despite repeated setbacks, residents continue to hold onto hope for meaningful improvements in essential services.