MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo City Council hosted its annual Environmental Awards Ceremony, honouring outstanding schools, communities, SMEs, and corporate entities that have gone above and beyond in promoting cleanliness.
The event was held at Junior High School on June 6 after the monthly clean up campaign across the ancient city.
The awards served as a platform to appreciate and recognise innovative efforts in environmental management as dignitaries, school children, teachers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered to celebrate collective progress towards a cleaner and greener Masvingo.
Speaking at the event, Chief Environmental Health Services Suzanne Hazel Madamombe praised the recipients and all participants, stating “These awards are not just about certificates, they reflect our shared vision for an environmentally sustainable Masvingo.
“We are proud of the partnerships we continue to build with schools, communities, and businesses in safeguarding our city’s health and beauty.”
In the highly competitive Cleanest School in Masvingo City category, Helen McGhie Primary School took the top honour, the school impressed with its unique and creative approach to waste management by converting discarded materials into functional, eco-friendly school bags.
Their impressive showcase stood out as a model of recycling economy principles in action.
Coming in second place was Francis Aphiri Primary School, followed by Victoria Primary School in third place, both of which demonstrated consistent efforts in cleanliness and environmental awareness among pupils.
The Best Recycling Initiative School award celebrated institutions implementing innovative recycling programs, Christian College earned first place for its installation of a biodigester system and continuous efforts of greening their schoolyard.
Their project reflects a broader commitment to sustainable energy and waste reduction.
Junior High School, the event’s host, was proud to claim second place, having shown commendable dedication to waste segregation, environmental education among its learners and the three months installation of a biogas digester.
In the community health and hygiene sector, the Cleanest Ward Award was presented to Gutakushanda Ward, recognised for outstanding mobilisation of residents and effective waste collection strategies through their ward health clubs.
For business areas, Gomba Fruit and Vegetable Market was celebrated as the Cleanest Market, having maintained exceptional hygiene standards and waste management practices, enhancing both vendor and consumer experiences.
Meanwhile, Meikles’s Market was crowned best in the Cleanest Flea Market Category, applauded for its structured stalls, visible waste bins, and general cleanliness.
Masvingo City Council also acknowledged private sector contributions, with awards given to entities demonstrating corporate responsibility in cleanliness and waste management.
Stable Package Company emerged as the top Participating Recycling Company, recognised for their collaboration in collecting and processing recyclable materials from various city sectors.
Delta Beverages secured the award for Best Contributor to Cleanliness under the Industrial Category, thanks to their sustainable production practices and site sanitation efforts.
In the Commerce Sector, Byword Motors was recognised for its exemplary maintenance of clean premises and active involvement in city-led clean-up campaigns.
