NEW: Zimbabweans urged to participate in Friday’s clean-up campaign

Online Reporters

THE Government is urging all Zimbabweans to participate in a nationwide clean-up on Friday as the country prepares to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Harare this month.

Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni told journalists that tomorrow’s clean-up will run under the theme “Every day is a clean-up day”.

“This total Clean-Up Day is a critical step towards achieving our goals of sustainable development and environmental conservation as we host this important regional summit,” she said.

“The clean-up is part of Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to showcase its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development as it hosts the 44th SADC Summit.

“Government is confident that this nationwide mobilisation will leave a lasting impression on the regional leaders and visitors.”

Speaking at the same event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Cosmas Chiringa, echoed the same sentiments.

“I call upon all stakeholders – ministries, Government departments and agencies, businesses, transporters, academic institutions and residents – to uphold the Presidential declaration which states that every first Friday of the month is a clean-up day from 8am hours to 10am,” he said.

“This month’s clean-up is unique as it is in preparation for the upcoming SADC Summit that will be held here in the capital city of Harare this August. In this vein, tomorrow has been dedicated to the clean-up, starting from 8am to 5pm.”