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Talent Gore and Mangaliso Kabulika
THE government has launched a week-long clean-up campaign to address poor sanitation in Harare, and curb the spread of cholera.
Thirty-six trucks and 13 tipper trucks, six front-end loaders, a backhoe loader and 16 refuse compactors have been mobilised to tackle solid waste dumps in the central business district and residential areas.
Over 122 tonnes of garbage were cleared on the first day of the operation on Friday.
Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, said the campaign was necessary after a rise in cholera cases in the capital.
The government has also provided potable water and is working to fix the sewer system in Harare.
“Cholera is a deadly disease when not managed well, but the causes are easily preventable because it is caused by poor hygiene and sanitation conditions,” said Dr Mombeshora.
“Part of this (operation) is to address these poor hygiene conditions which are prevailing in Harare. It is the duty of Government to intervene when things are not moving properly.
“Harare City Council is failing to collect garbage, provide potable water, proper sewer reticulation system and solid waste management.”
Dr Mombeshora said the Government had mobilised resources from both the public and private sectors to undertake the operation.
“We had given ourselves one week, starting from January 5 up to January 12 to ensure that all the garbage in Harare is collected,” he said.
The city has been subdivided into different regions to ensure efficiency during the clean-up blitz.
Region 1 covers the CBD, Mbare, Sunningdale, Waterfalls and Hatfield, with Region 2 covering Southlea Park, Hopley and Ushewokunze.
Meanwhile, Harare mayor, Jacob Mafume, said his council had ordered the release of at least US$2 000 in every district for equipment hiring.
“Starting today, this programme is going to be done simultaneously in every shopping centre and dumping site in the city to complement the programme that has been launched.
“I believe the government will take seven days and we need to continue past that to ensure intensified refuse collection.
“We have also asked for 52 tractors from the government which will be used to create regular collection in the city,” said Mafume.
Online Reporter