EDITOR — Cleanliness is next to godliness. The stench that emanates from makeshift dumpsites is unbearable; it is difficult for anyone to stomach such smells. 

The operation dubbed ‘Chenesa Harare’ Phase Two — a major clean-up campaign— is once again a very welcome move. Not so long ago Harare was battling cholera and typhoid and other diseases that are caused by lack of good sanitary conditions. These can be avoided. 

 The City Fathers have proven time and again that it is not the people of Harare they represent but their personal interests. Issues of corruption have taken centre stage in the opposition-led council.  They have all but failed in everything; be it providing safe drinking water, collection of garbage, solid waste management or proper sewer reticulation systems. We thank God for the Government of Zimbabwe for its continuous interventions in ensuring that the people of Harare are availed services that they deserve.

Meanwhile, each time such a programme is availed by Government, the Mayor is always by the side, standing sheepishly while offering no tangible solution to the numerous problems that bedevil the City of Harare.

Operation ‘Chenesa Harare’ Phase One took place in January, with over 25 000 tonnes of rubbish carted from illegal dumpsites to the Pomona dumpsite. These illegal dumpsites have mushroomed all over the city because the council is not collecting rubbish timeously. Operation ‘Chenesa Harare’, according to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, is expected to restore cleanliness to the city and will also go a long way in addressing some of the major drivers of outbreaks of diseases, such as cholera, and reduce health risks. Operation ‘Chenesa Harare’ is there to ensure that the City of Harare moves towards Vision 2030 to become an upper-middle income economy.

We can all, however, play a part in ensuring good waste management. Since most of the household waste from kitchens is biodegradable, it can be used to prepare organic fertilisers for our gardens. Plastic bottles can be re-used as drinking bottles or, alternatively, flower pots. For those who use baby diapers and sanitary wear, these can be gathered in one place and burnt. After all, maintaining a clean environment is everyone’s duty.

Let’s help Harare regain its ‘Sunshine City’ status!   

Shuvai Munatsi,

Harare.