By A Correspondent – The Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG) has intensified community mobilisation and demanded compliance with a landmark High Court order directing the decommissioning of the Runyararo West dumpsite.

Through sustained advocacy, community engagement, environmental monitoring and women-led civic action, MWRAG has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight for environmental justice and accountability in Masvingo.

The campaign gained urgency after the High Court ruled in 2025 that the City of Masvingo must cease operations at the Runyararo West dumpsite and migrate waste disposal activities to the Cambria Farm landfill.

Despite the ruling, residents continued to raise concerns over ongoing waste dumping, recurring fires and the health risks posed by the site.

MWRAG responded by documenting community experiences, raising public awareness on the environmental and health impacts, and engaging authorities to demand full implementation of the court order.

The organisation highlighted how women and children continue to bear the greatest burden of pollution, poor waste management and related health challenges.

To strengthen pressure for compliance, in August and October 2026 MWRAG launched a peaceful women-led creative action titled “Women and Her Bin.”

The initiative brought together hundreds of women from affected communities who marched to the Masvingo Civic Centre carrying household waste bins labelled “Certificate of Non-Compliance.” The bins symbolised the continued failure by the City Council to fulfil its legal obligations and the daily burden placed on communities living near the dumpsite.

At the Civic Centre, the women staged a symbolic demonstration using placards, ribbons and advocacy messages highlighting the health, safety and caregiving challenges caused by the continued operation of the dumpsite.

The participants then submitted a legally prepared petition demanding immediate compliance with the High Court order, a public commitment to a clear timeline for the full operationalisation of the Cambria Farm landfill, and accountability measures for continued violations of environmental laws and court directives.

The visibility generated by the action elevated public debate around the issue and reinforced calls for accountability.

Building on the momentum created by MWRAG’s intervention, residents and the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) pursued additional legal measures to compel enforcement of the court ruling and ensure that the City Council acts on its obligations.

MWRAG’s campaign demonstrates the power of organised women’s leadership in advancing environmental justice.

By combining community mobilisation, evidence-based advocacy, media engagement and non-violent direct action, the organisation has strengthened public demands for the closure of the Runyararo West dumpsite and helped keep pressure on authorities to comply with the law.

The campaign stands as a compelling example of how grassroots women-led movements can drive accountability, protect public health and promote sustainable environmental management in Masvingo.