Story by Tamuka Charakupa
LOCAL authorities in Mashonaland West have been urged to prioritise effective waste management systems and harness economic opportunities embedded in waste, as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
The call was made during the Mashonaland West Clean Green Cities Awards held in Kariba this Thursday, where the success of Geo Pomona Waste Management Company was highlighted as a model for transforming waste into valuable resources.
Mashonaland West Chairperson of the Association of Rural District Councils, Mr Nyarubero said councils are ready to adopt innovative waste management approaches.
“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate and partner with Geo Pomona Waste Management as local authorities. This model demonstrates that waste can be transformed into valuable resources such as energy and fertiliser. As councils, we are committing ourselves to improving waste collection systems, investing in infrastructure and embracing modern technologies that promote sustainable waste management,” he said.
Environmental experts emphasised the need to shift perceptions around waste.
Environmental Management Agency Mashonaland West Provincial Manager, Mr Kingstone Chitotombe, said waste should be treated as an economic asset.
“Our focus should be on effective waste management systems that prioritise waste separation at source, recycling and value addition. Waste must no longer be viewed as a burden, but as an economic asset that can create employment and contribute to environmental sustainability,” he said.
Traditional leaders also called for greater community involvement in environmental protection efforts.
Chief Msampa commended Government’s clean-up campaigns, while Chief Chundu stressed the importance of reforestation and preventing veld fires.
“We commend government for the national clean-up campaign, which has instilled a culture of cleanliness in our communities. As traditional leaders, we will continue to champion environmental stewardship and ensure our people take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean,” Chief Msampa said.
“These efforts should be complemented by massive reforestation programmes and the prevention of veld fires. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and communities must be fully involved in these initiatives,” Chief Chundu added.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo called for dedicated funding and a shift towards sustainable systems.
“We are here to celebrate the stewardship of the very soil upon which our communities are built, under the resonant and timely theme: ‘Our Cities, Our Pride: Leading the Zero Waste and Green Revolution in Mashonaland West Province.’ This theme is not a mere slogan, but a call to action. It speaks to the dignity of our rural and urban spaces and the urgent need to shift from a culture of careless disposal to a circular economy anchored on resource efficiency, innovation and sustainability,” she said.
The initiative complements Government’s national clean-up campaign aimed at promoting sustainable environmental practices, with Kariba Municipality emerging as the overall winner after scooping more than five awards.
