Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
THE City of Gweru has launched a campaign targeting primary and secondary school learners as it steps up efforts to tackle waste management challenges and promote a culture of cleanliness across the city.
The “Catch Them Young Waste Management Campaign” aims to instil environmental responsibility among children and raise awareness of the city’s anti-littering by-laws.
The campaign has already received support from teachers and parents who view it as an important step towards building cleaner and healthier neighbourhoods.
Announcing the programme, Gweru Town Clerk Mr Livingston Churu said council waste management officers will conduct regular visits in Gweru Urban to educate learners on proper waste disposal and environmental stewardship.
He said the campaign seeks to nurture a generation that understands the importance of keeping the city clean.
“The US$30 fine exists in our by-laws, but the Catch Them Young campaign ensures that every child understands why that fine is necessary,” said Mr Churu.
“A clean city is everyone’s responsibility. A child who learns this today will not throw a bottle into a storm drain tomorrow,” he said.
“That child will remind their parents and neighbours about proper waste disposal. That is how we can ensure Gweru becomes a clean city.”
As part of the initiative, the local authority is also encouraging residents to report incidents of waste dumping through its toll-free hotline.
Offenders found guilty of littering or illegal dumping face a US$30 penalty.
