Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged Zimbabweans to adopt responsible waste management practices as the country prepares to commemorate Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day this month.
In a statement, EMA’s publicity manager Ms Akela Sidange said increased travel to Heroes’ Shrines and other public and family gatherings is expected during the commemorations.
She encouraged people to dispose of waste responsibly, keep transport routes and commemorative venues litter-free, and adopt environmentally friendly practices to minimise pollution and environmental degradation.
Ms Sidange also implored public service transport operators to provide litter bins in their vehicles to discourage littering along highways and other key roads nationwide.
“Transporters are reminded that failure to provide bins in a public conveyance vehicle is an offence, and so is littering by the public as enshrined in Section 83 of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27), as read with Section 23 of Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007,” she said.
“Proper waste disposal will also help prevent road traffic accidents associated with obstruction from flying waste materials.
“It will further reduce the risk of roadside veld fires caused by carelessly discarded burning materials.”
Ms Sidange said the Agency will continue to conduct environmental awareness campaigns and mobile environmental education programmes across the country.
She also called for increased community clean-up activities to promote environmental stewardship during the commemorative period.
The official added that EMA has declared August 7 this year as the National Clean-Up Day under the theme “Green Travelling and Eco-Friendly Gatherings: Honouring Heroes/Heroines and Defence Forces in a Clean Environment”.
“August is a significant month on Zimbabwe’s calendar as thousands of citizens, veterans, dignitaries and visitors travel to National, Provincial and District Heroes’ Shrines,” she said.
“This heightened movement often results in increased littering, waste generation and environmental degradation if not properly managed.
“Key stakeholders including Government Ministries, Local Authorities, transport associations, businesses, residents and faith-based organisations will work together to clean and beautify shrines and public spaces.”
Ms Sidange said a clean environment is a fitting tribute to Zimbabwe’s Heroes and Heroines and the Defence Forces.
She said it was important for everyone to honour their legacy by keeping communities and the nation clean during the commemorations.
