By Panashe Phiri
The City of Harare, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and Geo Pomona Waste Management officials has trained about one hundred (100) Zero Waste Champions from the suburbs of Harare Metropolitan Province’s six zones.
The training which was held under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Waste Management and a Litter-Free COMESA Summit.”
The Zero Waste Champions’ training intensified preparation in waste management efforts ahead of the Common Market Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit to be hosted by Zimbabwe in October this year.
Focus of the training programme was on ensuring a clean, litter-free city and encouraging cleanliness in the City.
Speaking during the programme, EMA Harare Manager Leon Mutangamiri said keeping Harare clean was a shared responsibility and an obligation supported by law.
Section 73 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the right to a clean and safe environment, while EMA environmental regulations and the City of Harare’s anti-littering by-laws provide measures against littering and illegal waste disposal.
Shops, public transport operators and other businesses are being reminded to provide bins and properly manage waste generated through their operations.
The initiative is expected to improve Harare’s appearance ahead of the summit while strengthening long-term waste management, addressing illegal dumping and creating opportunities for communities through waste collection and recycling.
The programme reinforced the need for residents, businesses and authorities to work together in maintaining a clean and sustainable Harare.
The event was attended by the Recycling Lady, Mrs Mary Makoni, Ministry of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Harare Province office officials, Department of Environment and Tourism officers, Geo Pomona, City of Harare and Environmental Management Agency officials as well as the Zero Waste Champions.