Yvonne Mangani
MASVINGO – Masvingo City Council has launched a comprehensive 90-day implementation
plan aimed at transforming waste management practices across the city, bringing together
businesses, schools, healthcare institutions, hotels, recycling companies and community
representatives in a coordinated effort to tackle growing environmental and public health
challenges.
The implementation plan, unveiled during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the council
chambers on June 11, marks a shift from years of consultations and policy discussions towards
measurable action.
Operating under the theme of Integrated Solid Waste Management, the initiative seeks to
improve waste collection, promote waste separation at source, increase recycling and reduce
illegal dumping through a structured three-phase program.
Addressing stakeholders during the meeting, Masvingo City Council Health and Enviromental
Services Director Suzanne Madamombe said the next few months would be critical in
determining whether the city could translate recommendations into visible improvements on the
ground.
“We have spent years discussing waste management challenges and possible solutions. What is
important now is implementation, this 90-day program is designed to deliver practical results that
residents can see and benefit from.” said Madamombe.
The first phase of the program, covering Days One to 30, focuses on laying the foundation for
effective implementation through mapping, committee formation and standardization. During
this period, council teams will conduct audits and assessments to identify major waste generation
points
The exercise is expected to provide accurate data on the volume and composition of waste being
generated, allowing council to develop more efficient collection and disposal systems.
Local waste management committees will be established. They will comprise representatives
from council, businesses, schools, healthcare institutions and community members to ensure
local ownership of the program.
“Effective waste management cannot be achieved by council alone, communities, businesses and
institutions must all take responsibility if we are to achieve sustainable results.” said director for
Waste Solution Ammon Mushangwe
Council officials noted that inconsistent bin colors and signage have often caused confusion
among residents and institutions. Under the new framework, blue bins will be designated for
recyclable materials, green bins for organic waste and black bins for general waste.
Healthcare facilities will also work with council to strengthen systems for handling hazardous
and medical waste.
Representatives from Masvingo General Hospital welcomed the initiative, describing proper
waste management as a key public health requirement.
“Establishing clear procedures for handling hazardous waste will help reduce risks to both
healthcare workers and the public.” She said
The second phase of the program, running from Days 31 to 60, will focus on deployment,
awareness campaigns and enforcement. During this period, council will begin installing priority
waste bins at strategic locations.
School Health representatives proposed the introduction of student waste ambassadors and
environmental competitions to promote waste separation among learners.
Pilot waste separation projects will also be introduced at selected pilot institutions where waste
will be separated at source, ensuring recyclable materials, organic waste and general waste are
handled through different collection streams.
Major retailers that were present, pledged their support for the implementation programme by
conducting waste audits, improving waste separation systems and providing platforms for public
education.
Private sector partners are also expected to play a significant role in ensuring the success of the
program. Waste Solutions, represented by director Ammon Mushangwe, committed to
supporting cardboard recovery initiatives through partnerships with businesses and institutions.
“Clean cardboard collected from supermarkets, hotels, schools and offices can be sold to
industrial buyers, creating a sustainable market for recyclable materials while reducing pressure
on landfill sites,” said to Mushangwe.
Stable Packaging pledged to work with council and participating institutions to strengthen plastic
recovery systems and support the development of a circular economy within the city.
Masvingo City deputy director of health and environmental services Sthabile Matava said
involvement of recycling companies would ensure that separated waste is not merely collected
but also processed and diverted from landfill sites.
“There is no value in separating waste if there is no market or destination for recyclable
materials, Partnerships with recycling companies are therefore essential to the success of this
programme,” said Matava.
The final phase of the implementation plan, covering Days 61 to 90, will focus on auditing
progress, publishing results and scaling up successful interventions.
Council teams will assess participating institutions to determine compliance levels and identify
operational challenges.
Challenges identified during the audit process will be addressed immediately through targeted
interventions such as staff training, improved bin placement and adjustments to collection
schedules. Successful pilot projects will then be expanded to additional schools, businesses,
hotels and public institutions across the city.
The programme will be evaluated using key performance indicators including collection
reliability, waste separation compliance, recycling volumes, reductions in illegal dumping
hotspots and improvements in public health outcomes.
