Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
AGRICULTURE, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri has called for the removal of obsolete infrastructure at the Department of Veterinary Services offices in Harare as the Government intensifies efforts to create clean and modern working environments.
Prof Jiri made the call while leading ministry officials in the National Clean-Up Programme at the Veterinary Services offices, where staff cleaned the premises and surrounding areas.
He said some old infrastructure at the Government facilities should be removed without unnecessary delays as the country pursues President Mnangagwa’s clean environment agenda.
“Some of the obsolete infrastructure needs to be destroyed with no need for longer protocols as we drive a clean environment which the President wants,” said Prof Jiri.
He also called for the replacement of old fences and other infrastructure with modern facilities that reflect the work carried out by veterinary officers.
“We need to ensure that these fences are removed and replaced with modern infrastructure,” he said.
Prof Jiri urged officials to ensure that the appearance of their workplaces reflected the important role they play in protecting animal health and supporting the country’s agricultural sector.
“Ensure that the buildings resemble your work as veterinary officers,” he said.
He also urged ministry employees to extend the culture of cleanliness beyond their workplaces and ensure their homes and communities are kept clean.
“Cleanliness must not only be at work, but also at our homes,” said Prof Jiri.
He said maintaining a clean environment should be a daily responsibility rather than an activity confined to the monthly National Clean-Up Programme.
The National Clean-Up Programme is held on the first Friday of every month between 8 am and 10 am as part of the Government’s efforts to promote a clean, safe and healthy environment.
President Mnangagwa declared the programme on December 5, 2018, and it is coordinated by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in partnership with Government ministries, local authorities and communities.
The initiative is aligned with Section 73 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees every person the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.
The monthly campaign has increasingly expanded beyond the removal of waste to include waste prevention, public awareness and efforts to address improper waste disposal and illegal vending sites.
Prof Jiri’s participation at the Veterinary Services offices comes as the Government continues to encourage public institutions to take greater responsibility for maintaining clean surroundings and improving the appearance and functionality of their facilities.
The Department of Veterinary Services has a critical role in animal disease control, livestock health and food safety, making proper maintenance and hygienic surroundings important to its operations.
The Permanent Secretary said the clean-up exercise should be viewed as part of broader efforts to improve Government facilities and ensure public institutions provide appropriate working environments for employees.
He urged ministry officials to sustain the clean-up efforts beyond the designated two-hour exercise and make cleanliness part of their daily operations.
