Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Online Reporter
THE Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS) has partnered with Breeze FM, a local radio station, to help spread awareness about environmental cleanliness in the resort city.
PVFS was formed two years ago by stakeholders and residents in Victoria Falls to drive forward the goal of becoming the cleanest City in Africa.
Led by a committee of individuals from various organisations within Victoria Falls, the PVFS has quickly gained momentum as more and more stakeholders and individuals take the pledge to ensure Victoria Falls becomes a “pristine City.”
The initiative seeks to maintain the city in its pristine state by picking up litter daily and each organisation and individuals adopt a street that they clean daily.
A task force was formed to spearhead all activities and provide an enforcement vehicle.
The task force is composed of PVFS, Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Victoria Falls City Council, and police.
Breeze FM recently joined the initiative in a partnership that will see PVFS reaching out to the whole city and its environments to encourage cleanliness.
The station manager Mr Jonathan Sibanda said the partnership holds deeper significance as it moves beyond organizational efforts.
“Breeze FM, is proud to announce its collaboration with the Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS), a community-led initiative devoted to transforming Victoria Falls into the cleanest city in Africa. We at Breeze FM, Victoria Falls’ leading broadcaster, are proud to promote cleanliness in our city and advocate for a cleaner Victoria Falls.
“A clean city is about the health of residents and the lifeblood of our tourism industry. Harnessing the power of our airwaves, we’ll amplify the PVFS’s message, engage listeners, inform them about the impact of pollution, celebrate everyday heroes, and inspire collective action. Together, we’ll turn awareness into action, transforming Victoria Falls into a beacon of environmental consciousness,” he said.
Breeze FM has also adopted a street to clean in Chinotimba.
Mr Sibanda said this will allow the radio station to physically connect with its listeners.
The partnership demonstrates a strong sense of corporate social responsibility and determination to contribute to the betterment of the local environment, Mr Sibanda said.
He said both parties will raise awareness about the importance of keeping the city clean and encourage everyone to get involved, highlight the problem and impact of pollution and litter on the environment and health, and celebrate success.
“We believe everyone deserves to live in a “Pristine” and healthy environment, which naturally enhances the tourism experience for which Victoria Falls is known. Therefore, we’re joining forces with the Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS) to support their ongoing efforts in cleaning up our streets, parks, and waterways,” added Mr Sibanda.
PVFS campaign manager Mr Douglas Musiringofa said the partnership is highly strategic.
“Breeze FM holds a special place in our eyes as the sole community radio station known to us. We believe it is the ideal platform for spreading awareness about proper waste management and environmental issues.
“The station is uniquely positioned to address specific concerns within the community and through this partnership, we can effectively target and promote a specific area for at least a month. We are particularly impressed by Breeze FM’s commitment, which exceeds US$580, positioning them not only as a strategic partner but also a significant sponsor,” he said.
In keeping with the National Clean-Up, the PVFS collects and documents bags of garbage daily to keep Victoria Falls and its environs clean as well as promote tourism.
The task force also conducts awareness campaigns on waste and environmental issues as well as enforces the law by issuing out orders and tickets to offenders through its routine operations.
Poor waste management is one of the biggest headaches for many urban areas as citizens continue to disregard the provisions of the law by illegally dumping litter.
Streets in some cities are littered with garbage including paper, residues from farm and vegetable products sold on the streets by vendors, and packaging of goods bought in shops.
Victoria Falls is rated as one of the cleanest urban areas in the country.
–@ncubeleon
Online Reporter