The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Thursday, September 29, 1966 — Some Hillside ratepayers who have septic tanks say Bulawayo City Council’s decision to compel them to link up — at their own expense — with the city’s sewerage system is arbitrary and unjust, and is imposing on them an unnecessary financial burden.

Mr VD Browne of Weir Avenue, said he would not pay for his property to be connected with the City system.

“I am perfectly happy with my septic tank. I have four acres and to put down pipes and drains would cost about £500. I won’t do it.

“I hold the City Council to the undertaking given Hillside residents when they were incorporated in the municipality that we would retain our rights and privileges.

“That included our stables , and they have taken our stables away. I won’t have them taking any more away.”

Mr Browne said he had written to the Minister of Finance protesting at the expense at a time when the government was urging everyone to save.

“If it is employment they want to create, let them make roads and improve the lighting. These items are much more urgent than the sanitary arrangement here, which are quite all right”.

Dr PJ Barnard, of Moffat Avenue, also wants no part in the proposed scheme. He lives on a kopje and his garden is terraced.

“I will not permit blasting on this property. The last time there was blasting in the neighbourhood it cracked our swimming pool”, he said.

The expense of connecting his property with sewerage mains on the boundary would be “tremendous” he said.

To reach his house the drains and pipes would have to cross a neighbour’s property. Among those in favour of the decision was Col CW Duncombe, of Napier Avenue, who said it was excellent. His septic tank was not a menace to health, but was “a confounded nuisance”.