dyton mupawaenda
Joshua Muswere and Gloria Muruva
Harare’s descent back to atrocious garbage collection and rising illegal rubbish dumps, after the January Operation Chanesa moved 25 000 tonnes of rubbish, has seen the Government intervening again with Operation Chenesa Harare Phase 2 in response to the pressing issue of unsustainable waste management.
Speaking during the official launch of the operation yesterday, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the Government was partnering with other stakeholders to assist in the operation.
“The Government is bringing together resources from key agencies in the private sector, most of whom have assisted us in Operation Chenesa Phase 1. This collaborative effort allows us to leverage expertise, manpower and resources from multiple stakeholders to maximise the impact of the clean-up effort over the next three months,” he said.
Operation Chenesa Phase 2 is expected to restore cleanliness to the city and also to go a long way in addressing some of the major drivers of outbreaks of disease such as cholera, and reduce health risks.
Minister Garwe said there was need for a long-term solution to waste collection.
“We recognise that a long-term solution in sustainable waste management requires more than just a temporary clean-up campaign. That is why there is a need to develop and implement a comprehensive waste management strategy for the city which will involve improving waste disposal infrastructure, waste reduction initiatives and as well as engaging residents, and the private sector over matters of domestic waste management,” he said.
Operation Chenesa 1 undertaken in all five zones of Harare, managed to move 25 000 tonnes of solid waste to the Pomona dumpsite.
It is the success of this phase that has paved the way for an expanded initiative Operation Chenesa Harare Phase 2
“The dictum that Zimbabwe is open for business should be supported by a welcoming, clean and safe environment to attract investors,” Minister Garwe said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, said Phase 2 came as part of the preparations ahead of the SADC Summit.
“The launch comes just in time to buttress and anchor efforts on SADC Summit preparedness following the lapse of Operation Chenesa 1 launched in January. Operation Chenesa 2 comes in to address lessons learnt and gaps in the first operation. This is a vehicle which we shall be using to achieve a clean environment,” he said.
Minister Tawengwa said the Harare City Council should be grateful for the Government’s move.
“Harare City Council, you need to be thankful to the Government for this second initiative introduced to spruce up our city.
Online Reporter