Stephen Chadenga
Gweru City Council has introduced a waste management campaign targeting school children as part of the Midlands capital’s vision of a smart city by 2030.
Speaking at an ordinary council meeting this week mayor Martin Chivhoko said the initiative which targets primary and secondary school children has received support from both parents and teachers.
“I am proud to announce the launch of the catch them young waste management campaign targeting primary and secondary learners,”Chivhoko said.
“This initiative instills environmental responsibility among children and raises awareness of the city’s anti-littering by-laws.
The campaign has received support from teachers and parents. A child who learns this today will not throw a bottle into a storm drain tomorrow. That child will remind their parents about proper waste disposal and this is how we can ensure Gweru becomes a clean city.”
Chivhoko said the city’s waste management was a health issue which required to be addressed urgently to avoid both water and air borne health hazards.
“I warn that illegal dump sites have become breeding grounds for rats and mosquitoes, exposing residents to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and malaria,”he said.
Gweru Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association executive director David Chikore commended council for introducing the campaign saying it will restore Gweru status as a clean city.
“The catch them young waste management campaign is indeed a noble initiative that will ensure that Gweru becomes a true progressive city that begins with a clean environment for the good of not only residents but all stakeholders including potential investors,”Chikore said.
Chikore urged all schools in the city to embrace the campaign as part of the Midlands capital’s broader war on litterbugs.
Recently the local authority introduced a US$30 spot fine for public littering.