7 000t of waste cleared in 7 days

Vladimir Dube

Over 7 000 tonnes of solid waste were removed from Harare’s garbage dumps in the first week of the ongoing Government-led clean-up, which aims to enhance the city’s sanitation.

Operation Chenesa Harare was launched 10 days ago in response to rising cholera cases linked to poor sanitation.

According to Friday’s update report, more than 20 trucks were deployed to
cover three regions considered cholera hotspots.

“Cumulative total tonnage cleared by tipper trucks and refuse compactors from January 5 to 12, 2024 stands at 7 132,56 tonnes,” reads the report.

**Workers clear a garbage dump in central Harare under Operation Chenesa Harare recently**

To facilitate the seamless implementation of the blitz, the authorities had subdivided the city into different regions to ensure efficiency.

Region one covers the CBD, Mbare, Sunningdale, Waterfalls and Hatfield, while region two covers Harare South, which is Southlea Park, Hopley and Ushewokunze.

Highfield, Southerton, Glen Norah, Glen View, Churu Farm, Budiriro and Mufakose are under region three.

Region four covers Dzivaresekwa, Warren Park, Kambuzuma, Kuwadzana, Mabelreign, Marlborough and Mt Pleasant, while Borrowdale, Hatcliffe, Highlands, Mabvuku and Tafara fall under region five.

**An unidentified man collects waste for recycling, as the ongoing citywide clean-up campaign moves into high gear. — Picture: Memory Mangombe**

The report continues: “A total of 22 tipper trucks were deployed in regions 1, 3 and 4 today (Friday) and cleared eight dumpsites, with total loads amounting to 66. Total tonnage deposited at Pomona dumpsite by tipper trucks stood at 921 tonnes.

“Seventeen refuse compactors were also deployed accounting for 23 loads and deposited a total of 137,3 tonnes at Pomona dumpsite.”

Last week, the Government stepped in to restore sanity in Harare by rolling out a major clean-up campaign to curb the spread of cholera.

In addition, efforts were being directed towards boosting the amount of potable water being pumped from the city’s water treatment plants from the current 300 to 500 mega-litres per day.

Cholera cases have been steadily rising in recent weeks, raising public alarm, amid concerns over the capital’s poor sanitation and water shortages.

Harare City Council has been failing to provide basic services, putting the lives of residents at risk.