Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
The acting director of infrastructure planning and environmental management in the Ministry of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Gloria Denhere has called on the police to investigate the goings-on at Simon Muzenda Street (Fourth Street) terminus after noticing a high number of Broncleer cough syrup bottles in the garbage.
Mrs Denhere, who was leading the National Cleanup for Harare Metropolitan Province, said she had not seen so many Bronchleer cough syrup bottles at other bus termini.
She said what is worrying was evidence that showed that some of the bottles and cups had been used quite recently.
“This cup is still wet; it looks like it was used this morning. Other cups we saw were dry,” she said.
“That is what made up most of the garbage here. The Bronchleer bottle is written cough syrup and I am wondering why vendors, drivers and conductors here at Fourth street are coughing so much.
“I was touched because we also have youths who might be the ones taking the cough syrup. My brothers and sisters are the future leaders. Can they fend for their families after taking Bronchleer?”
The Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Charles Tawengwa, whose speech was read by Mrs Denhere, said plastic litter, discarded packaging and rising textile waste have become visible in our street, bus ranks, markets and residential areas.
He said these types of waste are not only an eyesore but also pose serious risks to human health, public safety and the environment.
“A bus terminus like this should symbolise order and convenience, not pollution and neglect,” he said.
“Government through EMA and in partnership with various stakeholders is leading the charge to promote alternatives to single-use plastics, encourage recycling and manage textile waste.
“But these efforts can only succeed if we, the citizens, take ownership of our actions. Each one of us has a role to play: to reduce the use of plastics, recycle where possible, properly dispose of waste and to support environmentally-friendly businesses.”
Sen Tawengwa said throughout September, awareness campaigns, school and community programmes and clean-up drives will be conducted in Harare Metropolitan Province, building up to World Clean-Up Day on September 20.
“These efforts aim to inspire change, encourage sustainable lifestyles and strengthen partnerships across sectors,” he said.
Sen Tawengwa said ending plastic and textile pollution is not the responsibility of the Government alone but requires unity of purpose from the transporters who ply these routes, vendors who trade at the rank daily, commuters and the wider business community.
“Let us all make our bus termini and indeed the whole of Harare a shining example of cleanliness and responsibility,” he said.
Sen Tawengwa said the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe is commemorating the upcoming Green Building week running from September 8 to 12.
“The green building is not an isolated structure but part of a larger ecosystem.
“We invite all of you to carry the energy and commitment you have shown today into the discussions and events of the Green Building week.
