Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- Local authorities in the Midlands Province have been implored to enforce strict litter dumping measures to safeguard the environment.
The call was made by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Larry Mavima following an increase in the number of illegal litter dumping sites.
Speaking during a cleaning up exercise in Mkoba last Friday (March 4) Mavima said it was disturbing to note how people were dumping litter at undesignated spots.
He further said sound by-laws were needed as issues of waste management in the country remained a prioritized agenda
“It is saddening to note how some people continue to throw litter at undesignated areas especially at bus stops and vending sites. Some residents have a tendency of throwing litter along sanitary lanes, drainages and street corners, a development which has posed high health risks to the community.
“Over the past month, we have been clearing illegal dump sites during the monthly cleanups but some unruly residents go back to throw waste in those cleaned areas. I therefore call upon all local authorities to enforce stiffer by-laws and bring sanity to their respective cities. We want litter bugs to be brought to book with immediate effect,” he said.
Mavima however commended Gweru corporates for taking a leading role in waste management.
“Let me recognize Gweru corporates namely Dulys, Telone, Premier Stone Crushers, Bata, Diamond Company among others for the role they have taken in the installation of bins in strategic areas in the Central Business District (CBD). This is indeed a good gesture towards good waste management practices.
“I am challenging other corporates and stakeholders to be involved and play their part by also putting waste management infrastructure in their areas of operation. This makes it convenient for the public,” he added.
Last year Gweru city council received six skip bins and 13 drum bins from the corporate community under a waste management infrastructure setup initiative.
Meanwhile various arms of government have been mandated to play effective roles in promoting sustainable waste management mechanisms.
Institutions such as the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) have been working closely with local authorities in raising awareness over solid waste management.
Speaking during a service delivery indaba held in January this year, Gweru city council Environment, Works and Town planning committee chairperson, councillor Trust Chineni said a number of by-laws such as the anti-litter and noise were going to be effectively implemented to bring order to the city.
Poor waste management practice continue to be a challenge in Gweru as most waste continue to be deposited into drainages, septic tanks and undesignated site across the community.
