MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The need for smart cities has gathered momentum in the Midlands Province as the Government has roped in the private sector in Private Public Partnership (PPP) in garbage management.
The government’s enhanced clean-up programme for urban areas and growth points in the Midlands Province aims to improve waste management practices and create a cleaner and safer environment for the communities especially with the medieval cholera disease ravaging the country.
On Thursday this week several smelting companies and land developers, including JINYI Enterprise Pvt Ltd, JINAN Pvt Ltd, Sino Cement, Drawlink Pvt Ltd and Sheasham, have contributed over 40 yellow machines to support the clean-up campaign.
This initiative is a response to the government’s directive for local authorities to prioritize enhanced waste management nationwide, hence the initiative by the Midlands Province.
Currently, local authorities across the country are grappling with waste management challenges, resulting in the proliferation of illegal dumping sites in unauthorized areas.
One such concern is the Mtapa Vegetable Market, where public health and safety are major issues, necessitating intervention from the central government.
“The Midlands Province is now implementing the enhanced waste management program, starting with the City of Gweru.
“The program will later be extended to all districts, guided by the Smart City concept, which aligns with the government’s vision of achieving an Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030,” stated Provincial Affairs Minister, Owen Ncube during the Enhanced Clean-Up Programme at Mtapa market.
Minister Ncube emphasized that the economic growth and recovery witnessed under the new dispensation, has led to increased per capita consumption and subsequent rise in waste generation as well as disposal into the environment.
He urged local authorities to collaborate closely with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and all stakeholders in implementing the Enhanced Clean-Up Programme.
“Key actions include establishing waste collection schedules, creating waste sorting and collection sites in every suburb and growth point, forming waste management committees at markets and vending sites, and promoting waste recycling to drive economic development,” added Ncube.
Furthermore, Ncube encouraged captains of industry and other organizations to complement government efforts by “exercising their corporate social responsibility” and mobilizing resources to assist in resolving waste management issues.
Meanwhile, Gweru city council and informal traders, have welcomed the Provincial Enhanced Waste Management Programme, saying a clean and safe environment is the responsibility of all residents.
Gweru Mayor, Martin Chivhoko commended the private sector for prioritizing a clean environment by providing the necessary equipment to clear illegal dump sites scattered around the city.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the corporate world for joining us in this noble cause and pooling resources to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene.
“With the threat of typhoid and cholera, it is crucial to maintain the cleanliness of our city at all costs. We cannot achieve our vision for 2030 without a clean environment,” added Mayor Chivhoko.
Nyasha Nherera, a representative from JINYI Enterprise, one of the private companies involved in the enhanced clean-up campaign, stated that their participation was part of the smelting company’s corporate social responsibility.
“We are assisting the local authority by providing yellow machines to remove garbage, creating a clean environment free from diseases.
“This is one of the company’s priorities in giving back to the local community where we operate.
“Moreover, many of our workers come from these communities and purchase their food products at Mtapa market.
“Therefore, it is our responsibility to support this cause and ensure that the area is clean and free from waterborne diseases,” he explained.
The collaboration between the private sector and the government in waste management is a significant step towards realizing the vision of smart cities and fostering a healthier environment for all residents.
