adminJohn Murwira in KARIBA
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has engaged community-based organisations here and trained them in solid waste management.
The training programmes are part of the build-up to the integrated solid waste management plan scheduled for a date yet to be announced by the Kariba Municipality.
In an interview, EMA’s Mashonaland West Environmental Management Agency education and publicity officer, Mr Munyaradzi Nhariswa said the programme included 20 representatives from the CBOs including officials from Kariba Municipality and EMA officials.
“The training was mostly centred on how to properly discharge solid waste management where emphasis was on recycling, re-use and reducing waste to ensure a clean environment,” he said.
Mr Nhariswa urged other local authorities to adopt the contemporary and systematic approach to solid waste management which takes into account measures to reduce and manage waste while protecting human health and the environment.
“The waste management system introduced in Kariba is based on active ward-based health clubs and community-based organisations,” he said.
“The model helps to inculcate environmental stewardship among residents while reminding them of their active role in solid waste management.”
Mr Nhariswa said other solid waste management strategies introduced by the Kariba Municipality in its solid waste management include councils partnering with waste producers in managing waste.
He said the concept of CBOs has become very common in most parts of the world with the major objectives of conserving the environment while ensuring that communities benefit financially.
“The recycling of solid and organic waste is one approach which has positive ramifications in creating informal employment and offering an environmentally sound solution to waste management problems,” he said.
“By reducing the total amount of solid waste headed for the landfill, recycling and composting are land-saving and pollution-reducing strategies.”
Online Reporter