MILLICENT HUNGWE
The City of Masvingo, in partnership with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), led a successful cleanup campaign and belated World Environment Day (WED) celebrations.
The commemorations were held on June 6, starting at Mashava Turnoff and culminating at the elite Junior High School in the leafy suburb of Rhodene.
The event, facilitated under the theme “Environmental Sustainability, Clean-Up, Green Energy, and Awareness”,
The event drew participation from key government officials, business leaders, schools, and community members, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, accompanied by his Permanent Secretary Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, City Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe, City Chief Environmental Health Services Officer Suzanne Hazel Madamombe, EMA Masvingo Province Manager Milton Muusha, and Provincial Education Director Shylette Mhike.
In his keynote address at Junior High School, Minister Chadzamira lauded the City of Masvingo and EMA for championing innovative initiatives in waste management and plastic pollution reduction.
He emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaborative efforts to build a cleaner, greener province.
“This campaign reflects our commitment to sustainable development,” the Minister said. “We commend Masvingo City Council and EMA for leading by example and pushing forward the agenda of environmental responsibility.”
The clean-up procession was also joined by local companies including N-Richards, Glow Petroleum, Byword Motors, and Stable Packaging.
City of Masvingo Chamber Secretary Vitalis Shonhai said, “This school was selected to host this prestigious event for its progressive approach to environmental education.
“We appreciate all stakeholders who came together on this first Friday of the month, a day our President declared as National Clean-Up Day.”
Chief Environmental Health Services Officer Madamombe praised Junior High School for their swift adoption of a biogas digester, a project initiated just three months ago.
“We recommended this innovation to Junior as a model for energy production from waste, and they delivered, it’s a testimony to how waste can be transformed into resources,” she added.
Muusha shared staggering statistics to drive home the importance of continued environmental action.
“Masvingo Province generates approximately 4,600 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 15% being collected by recyclers, that leaves 4,200 tonnes polluting our land and water,” he noted.
“World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that every action counts, today is not just a celebration, but a call to action.”
Junior High School head Stern Mutsambiwa closed the ceremony with a promise, “we will continue to teach our students about the vital role they play in preserving our environment, this is our duty to lead the change.”
