Chronicle EditorThandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has urged residents to collect waste for recycling and embrace composting to keep the city clean.
Speaking to Makokoba school heads and residents association committee yesterday, Mr Nkanyiso Ndlovu, the city’s acting cleansing superintendent, said there are companies that buy plastics and other waste for recycling, which can generate income for residents.
Mr Ndlovu said a lot needs to be done to clean Makokoba suburb which has been the dirtiest suburb in the city for a long time.
“The situation in Makokoba is worrying and we have decided to double efforts in ensuring the suburb is clean. We have also introduced residents to recycling which will help us in protecting the environment,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“They can group their waste and make money by recycling plastics and other materials. We have companies that buy plastic which is also another incentive for communities.
“We took them to a businesswoman from Davies Granite who makes compost in the backyard for nutritional gardens meant to feed workers. That is a great measure which all residents in Bulawayo can adopt even in their small yards.”
Mr Ndlovu said it was sad that adults in Makokoba suburb were leading in littering the city.
“We need to go out and clean the suburb as there will never be a time when outsiders will clean the city. We need a behaviour change especially among adults who have an influence. We will also work with schools so that we send the right message to pupils at an early age,” he said.
Teachers who attended the meeting said BCC must introduce incentives to motivate pupils to keep and maintain a clean city.
“When we grew up we used to have prizes for those who picked the most sweets wrappers and they would get sweets as rewards. We need such campaigns in our schools.”
@thamamoe
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