dyton mupawaendaMutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
Government is prioritising sustainable waste management as a means to generate income and create jobs within the sector, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa has said.
The Minister made these remarks at a recent clean-up campaign in Chitungwiza, themed “Integrated Clean Ecosystem Approach in Fighting Wetland Pollution.”
Minister Tawengwa stressed the importance of adhering to Section 73 of the Environmental Rights Act 2013, which guarantees every individual the right to a healthy environment.
He called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
Minister Tawengwa urged industries to implement the principle of extended producer responsibility, which puts responsibility on waste generators to track their products from production to disposal, further encouraging sectors within the province to adopt best practices in waste management.
“The recycling of waste through an integrated approach presents an opportunity for income generation and employment creation in the waste management sector,” he said.
He suggested that companies could incentivize communities to return post-consumer waste through deposit systems or competitions.
The Minister praised those participating in the clean-up efforts, stating, “I commend everyone who is volunteering today to improve our wetlands. Remember, the actions we take today will affect future generations.”
He expressed concern over the littering of post-consumer waste from manufacturers, calling for accountability: “It is disheartening to see waste from companies polluting our land and wetlands.”
Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma reinforced the commitment to protecting wetlands through sustainable conservation efforts.
“Our wetlands support diverse plant and animal life, purify water, and regulate our climate. By preserving them, we ensure a better quality of life for current and future generations,” she said.
The Mayor advised residents to avoid creating scrap heaps, noting that some dumps are located in areas difficult for waste collection trucks to access.
“We will improve roads in these areas and increase the fleet of functional waste management vehicles,” she said, adding that improvements in refuse collection have been evident.
