Communities urged to help preserve, restore environment

Adelaide Moyo Chronicle Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has challenged communities to come up with ways of recycling waste materials in order to keep the environment clean. The agency has been holding awareness campaigns for the past 21 days in Hwange District. EMA wrapped up the awareness programme with a fashion show in Victoria Falls yesterday.

Speaking at the fashion show, which was part of the Youth to Youth work camp projects, Matabeleland North EMA manager, Chipo Mpofu-Zuze, said sustainable development hinged on preserving the environment.

“We hope individuals will focus on activities that will help preserve and restore the environment.

“Turning trash into cash is one of the projects we recommend in terms of keeping the environment clean. In partnership with Youth to Youth members, we were trained on how to knit, crochet and re-use different waste material to create amazing domestic or office products,” she said.

Mpofu-Zuze said some of the products made from waste material include mats, vases, handbags, hats and bags made from plastics, wires and bottle tops.

“This exercise challenged us to take up such projects in our different provinces and to make a difference through the use of waste. Not only does the project beautify the city but it also economically empowers individuals for sustainable growth,” Mpofu-Zuze said.

At the fashion show, EMA officers and Youth to Youth members exhibited some of the recycled products which some of them were wearing.

Catherine Masunda, who is the director for Youth to Youth Zimbabwe, said the three-week camp was a success in terms of creating awareness on waste management.

Some designers were rewarded for making the best outfits from the recycled material.

Thabiso Ncube, from Youth to Youth, was voted the best designer for the camp and was awarded a night for two at a local hotel.

Jean Mhandu, who is part of the Zimbabwe United Nations Association, also won a prize. She said they were taught not to use fire to clear the environment.