Proposal for mandatory clean-up policy under review- Environmental Management Agency

Lingani Nyika, in Masvingo

THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is working towards the implementation of a new statutory instrument aimed at making participation in national clean-up initiatives mandatory in a bid to ensure a cleaner and safer environment, in line with the Second Republic’s aspirations.

The push for increased environmental conservation efforts began in 2018 when President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the first Friday of every month as a national clean-up day.

No law compels individuals or organisations to actively participate in clean-ups as per the presidential declaration.
In a bid to foster environment conservation in the country, EMA recently hosted a media interactive workshop in Masvingo, focusing on sharing critical environment issues in the province to enhance proficient reporting and addressing challenges.

In an interview, EMA’s environmental education and publicity manager, Mrs Amkela Sidange, highlighted the urgent need for improved waste management and stronger policy enforcement as key drivers for the push towards mandatory clean-ups.

“We are in the process of having a statutory instrument being gazetted that will make the participation in the national clean-up mandatory, and a policy to be put in place that makes it mandatory for waste separation in every household,” said Mrs Sidange.

“We also want to establish punitive measures for litterers to discourage those who continue to ignore the consequences of their actions on the environment.”

Waste separation based on its dry and wet nature is a crucial aspect of an effective waste management system and local authorities, and communities must work together to promote and enforce waste management policies that prioritise recycling, composting, and reducing landfill waste, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment for all.

The new statutory instrument will, undoubtedly, be a significant stride forward in enforcing citizens’ responsibility towards a cleaner and greener future for Zimbabwe.