malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
OPERATION CHENESA, which was launched a fortnight ago, has so far cleared over 7 000 tonnes of garbage from Harare’s illegal dumpsites.
The operation is set to restore cleanliness in the capital city.
According to an update released by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on Friday, more than 18 vehicles were deployed last week to clear waste from the dumpsites.
The report indicates that about 2 147,96 tonnes were removed from dumpsites in areas classified under region one, which cover the CBD, Mbare, Sunningdale, Waterfalls and Hatfield.
More than 2 147 tonnes of solid waste were also cleared from 12 dumpsites in suburbs under region three — that is, Highfield, Southerton, Glen Norah, Glen View, Churu Farm, Budiriro and Mufakose.
From region four, which includes Dzivaresekwa, Warren Park, Kambuzuma, Kuwadzana, Mabelreign, Marlborough and Mt Pleasant, about 1m293,35 tonnes of garbage were cleared from 11 dumpsites.
However, the report points out that the operation is being hamstrung by the breakdown of equipment during operations and an inadequate fleet to cover all the five regions.
“The operation requires more equipment, especially tipper trucks. There is also a need to strengthen awareness in communities to promote behaviour change on waste management.
“It is critical that breakdowns be attended to in the shortest possible period to enable quick resumption of works,” reads part of the report.
The need for a long-term sustainability plan, which involves massive investment in machinery and equipment was also noted.
Government recently stepped in to restore sanity in Harare by rolling out a major clean-up campaign to keep the city clean.
Harare City Council has been failing to provide basic services, including the collection of garbage, thereby putting the lives of residents at risk.
Online Reporter