Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
MAYORS across the country have applauded the Government for handing over a fleet of refuse compactors to local authorities under the newly established Local Authorities Technical Support Unit (LATSU), describing the move as a timely intervention to strengthen waste management and promote urban cleanliness.
Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony in Harare last week, city leaders hailed the initiative as a game-changer for local service delivery.
Harare acting mayor, Councillor Stanley Manyenga, said the development marked a turning point in the capital’s fight against garbage accumulation.
“We are grateful as Harare for this good initiative,” said Cllr Manyenga.
“As you already know, Geo Pomona has improved refuse collection in Harare and there is now a significant difference compared to the past.
“With this initiative, we will no longer need to hire expensive equipment from outside.
“The Government has made it affordable, and this is exactly what people want — clean streets and clean homes.”
Marondera acting mayor, Mr Hilton Chipasho, echoed the same sentiments, noting that the trucks would also support road rehabilitation projects in his town.
“Like most local authorities, we have been struggling to collect refuse because we did not have equipment,” he said.
“Even our roads have suffered because of this.
“In Marondera, we have new suburbs with very bad roads but now we can borrow equipment to repair and open roads.
“Previously, it was taking too long, but with this facility it will be easier.
“This is truly a noble idea from Government.”
Gwanda mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo described the intervention as “a game-changer,” especially as his municipality prepares to decommission a dumpsite that has been in use for over 40 years.
“I am so proud and grateful for this initiative. As Gwanda, we were running short of equipment but now the refuse compactor and tipper trucks will help us move towards smart cities.
“This support comes at the right time as we relocate from the old dumpsite to a new, state-of-the-art landfill. With this equipment, we will carry out a thorough clean-up and fully comply with the national clean-up campaigns,” he said.
Ald Moyo urged councils to complement the programme by installing more refuse bins in public spaces to promote responsible waste disposal.
The refuse trucks were handed over to councils through LATSU, a unit set up under the National Disaster Management Centre to support municipalities with technical and logistical capacity for service delivery.
The programme is part of Government’s wider effort to strengthen solid waste management and promote cleaner, healthier cities.
