Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
A NATIONWIDE call for communities to embrace sustainable waste management practices took centre stage on Saturday morning as residents, learners, traditional leaders and local authorities gathered in Bindura to launch the Zero Waste Movement campaign.
Speaking on behalf of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Mrs Regerai Magomo, the wife of Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo, urged Zimbabweans to adopt responsible waste management practices to protect public health.
Mrs Magomo said the campaign seeks to encourage citizens to reduce waste generation, reuse materials and recycle what remains.
“Every bottle, paper and plastic item that we manage properly helps protect our health, our streets and the future of our communities,” she said.
She noted that the Zero Waste Movement is an initiative close to the heart of the First Lady, who serves as Patron of Environment and Global Zero Waste Ambassador.
Mrs Magomo applauded Dr Mnangagwa’s international commitment to environmental stewardship, noting that she signed the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2023.
Addressing learners, Mrs Magomo said they are the custodians of the future and can play a critical role in promoting environmental responsibility.
“When you practice proper waste management at school and at home, you build habits that last a lifetime and influence your families and communities,” she said.
She described learners as ambassadors of change whose voices can educate and inspire communities to embrace sustainable environmental practices.
She conveyed the First Lady’s appeal to Government institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations and citizens to actively participate in advancing the Zero Waste Movement at all levels.
“Let us build our nation together and support these initiatives to ensure we live in a safe, healthy and clean environment,” she said.
“Environmental protection is a pillar of economic development and it starts with me, starts with you and starts with all of us.”
The campaign forms part of ongoing national efforts to promote environmental sustainability, improve waste management systems and foster cleaner, healthier communities across Zimbabwe.
Bongani Ndlovu