Crime and Pollution in Bulawayo

Crime Data in Bulawayo

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Bulawayo's crime landscape presents a significant concern, with a moderate crime level experienced by its residents. While some crimes have increased, the city continues to seek ways to improve safety.

Bulawayo residents express notable concern about property crimes and feel less secure during nighttime, though daytime safety perceptions are more positive.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, such as theft and home burglaries, remain a major worry for Bulawayo residents. The anxiety surrounding these issues is pronounced, given their prevalence and impact on community safety perceptions.
• Drug-Related Issues - While not the most pressing issue, drug-related crimes contribute to the broader safety concerns among the population. This requires attention to prevent larger social problems.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes, though less of a concern compared to property crimes, still exist within community discussions, with residents expressing wariness towards potential muggings and robberies.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Bulawayo is perceived positively during daylight hours, with many residents feeling their neighborhoods are relatively safe. However, this perception shifts dramatically at night, indicating an area of needed improvement.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception of increasing crime rates underscores the need for strategic interventions. This is rooted in various factors including property crime anxieties and public sentiment towards corruption and bribery.
• Specific Fears - Heightened concerns about risks of burglary, car theft, and corruption exist within Bulawayo's populace. Although crimes related to discrimination are not a major focus, they represent an area for potential policy attention.

Summary of Crime in Bulawayo

Despite ongoing challenges with crime, Bulawayo's efforts toward crime reduction and safety have been noted. Targeting property and corruption-related crimes should remain priorities in enhancing the overall safety and well-being of the community.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Zimbabwe is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Harare

Zimbabwe

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Bulawayo's air quality in 2024 is generally positive, contributing to a moderate pollution index. However, there is room for improvement, especially in industrial areas.

Residents express a good level of comfort in spending time outdoors, supported by satisfactory air quality.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Bulawayo are not flagged as a significant issue, maintaining levels that do not raise immediate public health concerns but are monitored for any changes.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels are not a current issue, ensuring that dust and larger particulate matters do not substantially impact daily life.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management in Bulawayo highlights areas needing improvement, as satisfaction with garbage disposal and cleanliness is low.

Noise levels in the city are moderate, not presenting a major impediment to quality of life currently.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Many residents are dissatisfied with garbage disposal services, leading to calls for better management to ensure a cleaner environment.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light pollution appear to be well managed currently, though attention to preventing future increases is advised.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

While green spaces in Bulawayo are available, their quality could be improved to enhance recreational opportunities and environmental benefits.

Drinking water quality is satisfactory but could be enhanced to boost public confidence and accessibility.

• Green and Parks Quality - The existing green spaces require investment and care to heighten their value to the community as both leisure destinations and ecological assets.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water accessibility and quality in Bulawayo are adequate, but further developments could strengthen these aspects, ensuring health security.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Zimbabwe is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Harare

Zimbabwe