MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU–The River Valley Group of Companies has embraced the government’s national clean-up campaign, with women in the Woodlands suburb taking the lead.
The company is running a fortnightly clean-up programme under the theme “Keeping Woodlands Smart,” aligning with the government’s smart cities agenda which promotes sustainable urban development and cleanliness.
Speaking during the latest clean-up held on Friday, River Valley finance director Richard Chiwara said the initiative is part of broader developments taking shape in the suburb.
“The clean-up campaign is one of several strides we’re making in Woodlands to create a unique and model suburb. We are upgrading water and sewer systems and rehabilitating roads to top-notch standards,” said Chiwara.
He added that the company had partnered with residents to support government efforts in promoting environmental stewardship by regularly collecting and clearing waste in the area.
River Valley has also provided a dedicated truck that collects household garbage every Tuesday to the dumpsite, helping reduce illegal dumping.
“This is a continuous process, and we feel it is our responsibility as developers to take the lead in maintaining cleanliness,” Chiwara added.
Local residents have welcomed the initiative, with Roseline Mukobvu, a long-time Woodlands resident, commended River Valley for spearheading community awareness on cleanliness and disease prevention.
“This programme goes beyond cleaning. It protects our families from diseases and encourages us to take pride in our suburb,” she said.
However, Mukobvu appealed for more organised and designated vending spaces for informal traders in the area, noting that proper trading infrastructure would complement the clean-up efforts
“We also need well-structured vending spaces so that vendors don’t end up operating in undesignated areas thereby undoing the progress we’re making,” she said.
The clean-up initiative has become a unifying activity in Woodlands, with community members especially women actively participating to ensure their suburb remains one of the cleanest in Gweru.
