Online Reporter
Zimbabwe’s National Clean-Up Day is to a nationwide initiative where the first Friday of every month is designated as a day for citizens to actively clean their surrounding areas.
The day was established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to promote environmental awareness and tackle waste management issues across the country.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in cleaning their communities during this time frame, from individuals to businesses and organisations.
Today, several top officials took part in the clean-up exercise across the country. Here we give you some updates on today’s events.
Harare Minister takes clean-up to Glen View
Minister of State Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa led the clean-up campaign in Glen View at Makomva Shopping Centre this morning.
He was joined by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume and local councillors.
The clean-up exercise came just a few days after the launch of Operation Chenesa Harare 3 in Glen View.
Speaking after the clean-up exercise, Senator Tawengwa challenged residents to ensure a clean environment to eradicate diseases such as cholera.
Glen View was one of the cholera hotspots and the outbreak saw a number of residents falling victim.
Senator Tawengwa said residents should embrace proper waste management.
“I urge you to embrace proper waste management to reduce diseases associated with dirty environments. Waste management can be taken as a business. You can earn a living through recycling waste, ” he said.
“Let’s desist from littering. Proper waste management will even reduce the costs of chemicals needed for water treatment,” he said.
Mash West Clean and Green Cities awards ceremony underway
THE Mashonaland West Provincial Clean and Green Cities awards ceremony is underway at Chegutu Civic Centre, with outstanding local authorities set to be honoured.
The ceremony also coincided with the provincial clean-up campaign that was led by Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira.
The Deputy Minister also planted the Quinin (Mutowamakaka) tree which is known for its medicinal properties and is used as an indicator for high-water tables for borehole drilling.
All the rural and urban local councils are present at the event, which has drawn players from the public and private sectors.
EMA takes National Clean-Up Campaign to Bindura
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged business owners at the Manhenga Business Centre to actively participate in the national clean-up campaign.
This call to action was made after it was observed that many people at the business centre were bystanders during the clean-up exercise.
EMA’s provincial manager, Mr Robert Rwafa said there is need for the Bindura Rural District Council to take action against irresponsible business owners who are littering the area.
“I urge everyone to actively participate in the national clean-up. Let us remind each other that the clean-up campaign is a lifestyle,” he said.
“It is concerning that officials and visitors are doing the cleaning while residents remain spectators.”
