Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
ZIMBABWE has secured over US$3.5 million from the 8th cycle of the Global Environment Facility to pilot greener, smarter cities and boost action on biodiversity and climate change.
Zimbabwe’s two biggest cities, Harare and Bulawayo, have been selected for a global pilot programme backed by the funding, aimed at making cities smarter, cleaner and more climate-resilient. Under the 8th cycle of the Global Environment Facility, the two cities join more than 1 000 cities worldwide in implementing projects on biodiversity and climate action.
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, welcomed the development, saying it will improve waste and sewer management systems.
“We are happy to have been chosen to pilot this project. We believe that it will help us manage our waste and sewer systems better and also create smarter cities,” he said.
Bulawayo City Council Chairperson for Finance and Economic Development, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, said the funding comes at a crucial time.
“This funding means we can turn plans for greener Bulawayo into action. We have been struggling with management of waste at Ngozi Mine for long so this funding comes at the right time,” he said.
Officially launching the project in Bulawayo on Friday, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, said the five-year plan aligns with Vision 2030.
“We are happy that our two big cities were chosen to be among thousands of cities to implement this project. This project speaks to Vision 2030,” she said.
Implementing partners said they will play a key role in ensuring accountability and providing technical support.
“We ensure the project delivers real environmental impact. Basically, we play a watchdog role in this project,” noted Environmental Management Agency Director General Mr Aaron Chigona.
“FAO brings technical expertise, that is our role in this project,” said FAO representative Mr Louis Muhigirwa.
The Global Environment Facility supports developing countries through funding integrated programmes in ecosystem restoration.
