Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
MORE than 1 600 tonnes of solid waste have been removed from landfills across Harare under an ongoing clean-up campaign aimed at improving sanitation in the capital city.
The Government launched Operation Chenesa Harare 3 last week to improve cleanliness and protect residents from health hazards caused by poor waste management.
The authorities have deployed multiple tipper trucks, skip trucks and refuse compactors to clear large volumes of garbage from key areas, including the central business district (CBD), Highlands and Mbare.
In its weekly update, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works reported that more than nine tipper trucks were deployed last week.
“Approximately 23 loads were removed from dumpsites in areas classified under regions one and three, which cover the CBD, Highlands, Airport, Borrowdale, Mbare, Avondale, Mabelreign, Glen View, Marlborough, Mt Pleasant, Cranborne, Hatcliffe, Warren Park, Aspindale, Glen Norah, Tafara and Greendale.
“A total of nine tipper trucks were deployed in region 3 on February 6, 2025,” said the report.
“By the end of the day, a total of 18 loads had been disposed of at Pomona dumpsite, with a total tonnage of 188,24 tonnes.
“Fifteen refuse compactors and a skip truck were also deployed in Harare’s residential areas and in the CBD.
“A total of 19 loads had been deposited at Pomona dumpsite, with a total tonnage of 111,14 tonnes.
“Therefore, the total tonnage recorded on February 6, 2025 by tipper trucks, skip trucks and refuse compactors stands at 299,38 tonnes, while the cumulative tonnage from February 3 to February 6 stands at 1 641,34 tonnes.”
The report also highlighted the need for additional trucks and compactors to ensure comprehensive coverage across the city.
“The following recommendations are being proposed: the operation requires more equipment to cover all five regions effectively.
“Additionally, there is a need to strengthen community awareness initiatives to encourage responsible waste disposal habits.”
However, the operation has been hampered by equipment breakdowns, an insufficient fleet to cover all five regions simultaneously and the resurgence of illegal dumpsites in recently cleared areas, particularly in the CBD and Mbare.
“The operation requires more equipment, especially tipper trucks, during this period,” adds the report.
“Meanwhile, there is a need for optimum use of the available equipment.
“There is also need to strengthen awareness in communities to promote behavioural change on waste management.
“It is critical that breakdowns be attended to in the shortest possible period to enable quick resumption of works.”
The report underscored the need for a long-term sustainability plan, which includes significant investment in machinery and equipment.
