Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, has urged residents to take responsibility for keeping the city clean, warning that poor waste management could contribute to disease outbreaks and environmental pollution.
Speaking during the 730th Ordinary Council meeting held on Wednesday, Cllr Chivhoko said cleanliness was not merely about aesthetics but also about health, dignity and civic pride.
“A dirty city breeds disease, discourages investment and diminishes our collective self-worth,” he said.
“I therefore urge every household, every business and every individual to take personal responsibility for the environment around them.
“Let us refrain from littering, let us use designated dumping sites and let us revive the spirit of community clean-up days that once made our neighbourhoods the envy of the nation.”
Cllr Chivhoko also said council would this week commence the overlay of 8th Street as part of its ongoing road rehabilitation programme.
“This is a significant milestone in our ongoing road rehabilitation programme. The overlay of 8th Street will not only improve the driving experience in our central business district but will also boost business activity and restore the dignity of our city centre,” he said.
The mayor said sewer blockages remained a major cause of environmental pollution and disease outbreaks in communities.
He said blockages were often caused by objects that should not be disposed of through the sewer system, including nappies, plastics, sanitary products, cooking oil and debris.
Cllr Chivhoko urged residents to report sewer blockages immediately to prevent them from escalating.
“Early reporting prevents small blockages from becoming environmental disasters. Do not flush or pour anything into the sewer that does not belong there,” he said.
“Educate your children and domestic workers about proper waste disposal. When our teams arrive to unblock sewers, please cooperate and give them access.
“We are working to improve our sewer infrastructure but prevention is cheaper and faster than repair.”
