admin
Herald Correspondent
National clean-ups are everyone’s responsibility as sustainable waste management is a national priority under the environment sector as spelt out in the National Development Strategy 1, the Environmental Management Agency said in a statement yesterday.
EMA said the clean-ups were also key to the attainment of the national vision of an upper middle income economy by 2030.
Globally, sound waste management guarantees attainment of sustainable development goals on good health and well-being (goal 3), clean water and sanitation (goal 6) as well as sustainable cities and communities (goal 11).
The Constitution of Zimbabwe as mirrored in the Environmental Management Act states there is a human right to a clean, safe and healthy environment for everyone.
So in the spirit of enhancing cleanliness of cities and communities, President Mnangagwa set aside one day a month for the national clean-up programme, declaring the first Friday of each month a National Clean-up Day from 8am to 10am.
“Since inception of the national clean-up programme, the Presidium and the First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa, who is also the environment patron, have been leading from the front, cleaning in different parts of the country.
“Various stakeholders including corporates, educational institutions, religious groups and the civil society have also actively participated in the national clean-up programme and such environmental stewardship is commendable.”
EMA said it was important to take note of our responsibilities in making Zimbabwe clean by avoiding littering and dumping of waste in undesignated places.
Industry and corporates whose products end up as post-consumer waste must now implement the extended producer responsibility. A good example, EMA said, would be the establishment of a plastic bottle recycling company by a consortium of beverage and water bottling companies.
The Environmental Management Act states that no person shall discard, dump or leave any litter on any land or water surface, street, road or site in or at any place except in a container provided for that purpose or at a place which has been specially designated for such purpose.
No one is allowed to throw litter from a vehicle, or for that matter a scotch cart.
And all controlling or maintaining any place had to ensure that containers or places are provided which will normally be adequate and suitable for the discarding of litter.
EMA said all generators of waste must each year submit waste reduction targets to ensure minimal residual waste is discharged into the environment.
“All citizens of Zimbabwe are therefore advised to abide by these statutes. The long arm of the law will descend heavily on all environmental offenders. EMA is currently conducting a countrywide blitz to promote the sound management of waste through awareness and enforcement of environmental laws.
“Do not be found on the wrong side, instead, play your part towards creating a clean, safe and healthy environment. Participate in the national clean-up programme every first Friday of each month, while at the same time observing the Covid-19 safety protocols.”
Online Reporter