‘Clean environment integral to development’

Sunday Mail Reporter

ZIMBABWEANS must take an active role in ensuring a clean environment as it is integral to their general well-being and the country’s socio-economic growth and development, Vice President Kembo Mohadi has said.

Speaking during a clean-up programme organised by Prophet Walter Magaya’s Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare yesterday, VP Mohadi said clean-up programmes should become part of Zimbabwe’s culture.

An unhealthy and unhygienic environment, he said, breeds a “sick nation”, which is costly to manage.

“A sick nation takes away resources that were meant to prosper an economy to the importation of medication. It diverts a nation’s focus from the critical issues about our development to crisis management. You are reduced to being reactive to a menace as is currently the situation with cholera in at least the whole of SADC,” he said.

Zimbabweans, he added, should take it upon themselves to create the future they want.

“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate and commend everyone participating in this clean-up. Your leadership appreciates your efforts. It is my wish that what you have done today becomes a national culture. It should not start and end with today’s clean-up. Our gathering here is indicative of togetherness towards the management of waste. It takes us as Zimbabweans to create the future we want.”

He said there was need to adopt effective waste management systems that support the environment as well as the economy.

“Our clean-up goal is the reduction of waste in our environment. This can only be achieved through adopting and adapting effective waste management systems that include elements such as recovery and recycling, among other strategies.

“Effective waste recovery for recycling is a foundation for a functional economy. The implementation of best environmental practices unlocks the full potential for a greener future.”

He also said community participation in cleaning the environment remains central to people’s general well-being and development.

“To that end, I once again commend PHD Ministries for taking the initiative in organising this clean-up exercise. I also wish to urge Zimbabweans across all sectors, churches, businesses and whatever rank and position you might have in life, to follow this example that has been set by Prophet Magaya.”

VP Mohadi commended formal and informal waste collectors for the effort they put in recycling waste.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere; Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu; Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Senator Charles Tavengwa; senior Government officials; Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume and city council officials, as well as diplomats attended the event.