Zimpapers Writer
EMAKHANDENI residents have been urged to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and protecting public health, as the community joined hands with Faith Grace International Ministries in a clean-up campaign at Woza Woza shopping centre on Friday morning.
The exercise brought together church members and residents who cleared litter around the shopping centre, cleaned outside nearby houses and proceeded to other shopping centres in the suburb.
Ward 11 councillor Suzan Sithole, who led the campaign, said maintaining a clean environment was a collective responsibility that required residents to work together with local authorities and other stakeholders.
She said communities should not wait for council workers to clean their surroundings, but should take the initiative to keep their neighbourhoods tidy.
“A clean environment begins with each one of us taking responsibility for our surroundings. Residents must work together to ensure that our shopping centres, streets and homes remain clean.
“We all have a role to play in protecting public health and making Emakhandeni and the greater Bulawayo a better place to live,” said Cllr Sithole.
Representing Faith Grace International Ministries, Prophet Arthur said the church was committed to engaging residents in activities that benefited the community beyond its spiritual programmes.
He said the clean-up campaign was also a way of encouraging people to work together towards improving their neighbourhood.
“As a church, we believe in serving the community and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Keeping our surroundings clean is one way of showing responsibility and love for the people we live with,” said Prophet Arthur.
He said the exercise was a precursor to a crusade and business expo planned for the area in the coming days.
A resident, who was part of the community clean-up said what they are doing in the community could help improve hygiene around shopping centres, where people gather to conduct business and carry out their daily activities.
The campaign is in line with the Government’s National Clean-Up Programme, which designates the first Friday of every month for cleaning public spaces, residential areas and business premises. In the same vein, the Environmental Management Agency encourages individuals, churches, businesses and other institutions to participate in keeping the country clean.
The initiative also supports the broader goal of promoting cleaner, safer communities as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 development agenda.
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