Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
EFFORTS to improve waste management and promote a cleaner environment in Hwange have received a major boost after Hwange Power Station and HESCO donated 40 waste bins to the Hwange Local Board during the recent World Environment Day and National Clean-Up Day commemorations.
The donation, comprising 30 bins from Hwange Power Station and 10 from HESCO, is expected to strengthen litter management in the town and support ongoing efforts to create a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, acting Hwange District Development Coordinator, Mrs Nyaradzo Masoja, in a speech read on her behalf by District Economist, Mr Emmanuel Sibanda, applauded the gesture, saying it demonstrated the private sector’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.
She said proper waste management remained critical in safeguarding public health and protecting the environment from pollution.
“The environment is at the centre of sustainable development. Initiatives such as this donation of waste bins help communities maintain clean surroundings while promoting responsible waste disposal practices,” she said.
Ms Masoja said the donation complemented Government efforts under the National Clean-Up Campaign, which has become a regular feature following its adoption by President Mnangagwa as a national programme.
The handover coincided with World Environment Day commemorations held under the theme: “Inspired by Nature.
For Climate. For Our Future,” and Zimbabwe’s National Clean-Up Day theme, “A Plastic Free Environment is Possible — Play Your Part”.
HESCO acting facility site manager, Engineer Elvis Kanyira said the waste receptacles would be installed at strategic points along Independence Road and other public areas to encourage responsible waste disposal.
“As part of our World Environment Day commitment, HESCO and Hwange Power Station are commissioning and installing waste receptacles at strategic locations. These are a practical and lasting investment towards keeping our town clean,” he said.
Eng Kanyira highlighted measures being implemented by HESCO to minimise the environmental impact of power generation.
These include a Flue Gas Desulphurisation plant that removes sulphur dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere, a Fabric Filter Plant that captures fine particulate matter, and a closed-loop water recycling system designed to reduce water abstraction from natural sources.
Eng Kanyira also said gypsum produced through the emission control process was being repurposed for agricultural use instead of being treated as waste, in line with circular economy principles.
“As we power the nation, let us remember that the energy our nation needs and the environment our community deserves are not in conflict. They can coexist if we are intentional about it,” he said.
Engineer Kanyira urged residents and businesses to take ownership of the bins and ensure they are properly used and protected.
“We call upon every resident and stakeholder to become guardians of these facilities. Environmental protection begins with simple actions such as disposing of waste correctly.”
He noted that while environmental awareness campaigns were important, tangible interventions such as providing waste management infrastructure produced lasting benefits for communities.
The commemorations attracted participants from Government departments, local authorities, schools, uniformed forces and the private sector, who took part in a clean-up campaign through the town.
Stakeholders have said the waste bin donation would help reduce littering, improve waste collection efficiency and contribute to making Hwange a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable town.
