Waste management centre launched in Mabvuku Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo (left), Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe chief executive Ms Amal Tantawi (centre) and Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere follow proceedings during the launch
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo (left), Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe chief executive Ms Amal Tantawi (centre) and Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere follow proceedings during the launch

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo (left), Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe chief executive Ms Amal Tantawi (centre) and Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere follow proceedings during the launch

Tinashe Makichi Business Reporter
Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday said communities should consider setting up waste management centres as they have the capacity to generate income and at the same time enhance sustainable waste management.

Speaking during the official launch of a waste management centre in Mabvuku, Minister Kasukuwere said the Mabvuku waste management centre is a project going to generate income and empower the community.

In this initiative Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe in partnership with the City of Harare and the local community and other technical partners will set up a waste management centre for the community which is expected to be functional in the third quarter of this year.

“The waste management centre is a positive development as besides creating sustainable waste management solution, the centre should develop into a viable income generating venture and empowerment model for the community and other business entities.

“Lafarge Cement must be commended for this initiative and in addition the whole sustainable waste management project is a good example of public private partnerships arrangement, a concept Government is currently promoting,” said Minister Kasukuwere.

Setting up of the waste management centre will see Lafarge forging further partnerships with other technical partners for sorting and reselling of the waste that will generate revenue for the community.

This project is a culmination of previous community programmes which offered temporary waste management solutions and was conceptualised after extensive consultations with community leaders and the grassroots structures.

Minister Kasukuwere said members of the Mabvuku/Tafara community should play their part in nurturing the existing cordial relationship with Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe.

He said Lafarge has a track record of community projects that have positively impacted the surrounding communities.

Lafarge currently employs various environmental management activities key among them being use of waste materials from other industries with a view to have their products made from 25 percent waste.

“I would like to implore Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe to continue working on initiatives that empowers communities as well as protecting the environment.

“I strongly believe that this initiative is going to achieve the envisioned objectives because the participation of the community is important in ensuring that key objectives of the programme are realised,” said Minister Kasukuwere.

He said the launching of projects like sustainable waste management is evident of a responsible corporate entity that fully appreciates the importance of cordial relationships with the community within which it operates.

Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe chief executive Ms Amal Tantawi said at Lafarge health and safety take a pole position in their business and therefore Mabvuku/Tafara sustainable waste management programme is not an isolated initiative.

“This programme falls within the Lafarge Group umbrella health and safety programme which is held annually. The programme targets our community, contractors and our employees,” said Ms Tantawi.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey