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ZIMBABWEANS yesterday commemorated the annual World Environment Day while participating in the National Clean-up exercise.
The World Environment Day falls on June 5 which is tomorrow.
In December 2018, President Mnangagwa declared the first Friday of each month as the National Environment Cleaning Day when all citizens are supposed to clean their surroundings between 8AM and 10AM.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) believes it is high time Government comes up with laws that will make the national clean-up campaign mandatory as moves to have clean cities and towns gather momentum.
In Bulawayo the main clean-up exercise was held at Pumula North Shopping Centre where different stakeholders took part in picking litter from the area.
Bulawayo provincial director for economic development, Mr Simon Saunyama said people should endeavour to keep their homes and workplaces clean.
“We are happy to see that residents are coming in numbers to support this noble initiative which will help us maintain a clean environment as we go about our daily activities. I would like to urge residents to continue keeping clean everyday so that we live healthier lives,” said Saunyama.
In Matabeleland North, various stakeholders cleaned up at their respective premises. The main clean-up for Hwange district was hosted by Zimbabwe Power Company at Ingagula Primary School in Hwange in partnership with the Environmental Management Agency, Hwange Rural District Council, Forestry Commission, Green Shango Environment Trust, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and were joined by workers from various Government departments.
Activities included cleaning the surroundings, sporting events and an environmental exhibition.
Guest speaker, Mr Simon Muleya who is Hwange District Development Co-ordinator said sorting waste at source will help reduce littering and various forms of pollution.
Mr Muleya said improper waste disposal causes serious environmental challenges.
“As you are aware, the day was pronounced by President Mnangagwa to be conducted every first Friday of the month. We are also celebrating World Environment Day which is commemorated every year on the 5th of June making this event a unique one,” said Mr Muleya.
Green Shango Environmental Trust director Mr Daniel Sithole implored all citizens to embrace environmental transformative action.
“We also exhibited fruit trees and indigenous nurseries as we seek to promote sustainable management of our environment to celebrate, protect and restore our planet and address the climate catastrophe,” he said.
Chief Whange urged stakeholders to join hands in protecting wildlife and the environment.
In Victoria Falls, which is also under Hwange district, individual companies continued with the trend of cleaning specific sections allocated to them through the Pristine Victoria Falls Initiative formed last year. Each company was allocated a section of the city from the Victoria Falls border to the airport about 20km away.
In Matabeleland South Province the main clean up exercise was held in Gwanda.
It was led by Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary, Mrs Lathiso Dlamini-Maseko.
Residents and various stakeholders who include service chiefs and members of various Government departments cleaned the streets from Jahunda Business Centre to Phelandaba Stadium.
Addressing the crowd after the clean-up, Mrs Dlamini-Maseko applauded residents for prioritising the cleanliness of their town.
“I would like to applaud you all for partaking in this exercise as it is a clear indication that you care about the cleanliness of your town and may it stay this way always. I see residents coming out in their numbers as well as various Government departments. The cleanliness of our town is our responsibility. A clean town is our pride and it gives us dignity,” she said.
“I would like to apologise on behalf of our father the Zanu-PF second secretary Cde Kembo Mohadi who was supposed to grace this occasion but unfortunately couldn’t make it because of other pressing issues.”
In Beitbridge, scores of residents and civil servants converged to clean up Ha Mbedzi Business Centre in Tshithauze suburb.
The area is one of the many areas that recorded high numbers of cholera cases in 2008.
Online Reporter