Residents have applauded the Hwange Local Board (HLB) for improving its refuse collection and playing a pivotal role in curbing littering and illegal waste dumping in the area.
A senior resident in Empumalanga, Lindizwe Sijingo said the HLB had made strides towards cleaning up the environment in Empumalanga, Chibondo and Baobab residential areas.
“In the past, litter would be seen strewn all over, but now we are seeing less of that. However, the challenge remains at shopping centres, these places are still filthy. I think council should take measures to address this,” Sijingo said.
Council recently embarked on an exercise aimed at ensuring that all businesses operating in the area had refuse receptacles at their premises.
Defaulters were fined US$20 in line with HLB’s solid waste management by-law.
Since the beginning of the year, council is reported to have been consistent in its refuse collection while also sticking to its schedules.
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A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said while there was an improvement in waste disposal, more should be done to discourage motorists from throwing litter off moving vehicles.
“I think the HLB should come up with a policy, which ensures that all public transport operators have portable bins in their vehicles because the amount of litter by the roadsides is still an eyesore, this is largely due to passengers throwing trash through windows.”
The resident said it was important to recognise that roadside littering is avoidable and education, enforcement, engagement and policy legislation all have a role to play.
A local medical doctor, George Bryn Makoni said effective public participation in waste management processes is key in arresting littering and illegal dumping.
“Effective waste management systems require the active participation of citizens, cooperation with municipal officials and workers,” he said.
Makoni urged residents to prioritise the reduction of waste at their homes first before participating in keeping their surroundings clean.
“It is also very important to note that littering isn’t only caused by the younger generation, but it’s across all age groups, thus the reason I participate in the National Clean-Up Day. I put on my attire appropriate for picking litter and join everyone in this worthy cause, thereafter I go take a shower and go to work,” he said.
Sanitation and waste management is one of the services delivered by urban local authorities including road construction and maintenance and provision of primary health care.
The HLB, through its department of Housing and Community Services, also educates residents about proper waste separation and disposal practices so as to ease the burden on garbage collectors and improve overall waste.