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Takudzwa Chiwereweshe Manicaland Correspondent
Mutare residents have been urged to find innovative ways of managing waste to create a litter-free city and minimise disease outbreaks. In a speech read on her behalf by deputy director in her office Mr Lucky Basopo, Minister of State for Manicaland  Provincial Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa said there was need for stakeholders to change their attitudes towards disposing litter.
“This calls for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and every member of society to participate in creating a clean, safe and healthy environment that is not harmful to people’s health,” she said.

“I understand that we are living in a hostile economic environment, which demands innovative ways of managing our waste and relooking our attitudes and behaviours.”

Minister Mutsvangwa urged residents to recycle, reuse and reduce waste to create a safer and a cleaner environment.
While also bemoaning the existence of illegal dumps around the city, she implored residents and stakeholders to commit themselves to creating a clean environment.

“Every person, shop owner or authority in control or responsible for the maintenance of any place must always ensure that they provide adequate bins for discarding litter,” she said.
Corporates, she added, needed to have cogent waste management plans.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Mutare and its surrounding rural service centres were faced with serious challenges of solid waste management, which needed to be addressed.

Speaking at the same event, Mutare Mayor Mr Tatenda Nhamarare said council was faced with a shortage of refuse collection trucks.

“Since council is currently not able to regularly collect refuse, residents should also play a part in managing waste,” he said.
Mutare Vendors’ Association chairperson Mr Taurai Mukono said the allocation of new vending space by council had helped reduce litter in the city.

“We understand that Government and council are financially constrained and we have been playing our part to avoid litter,” he said.

Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), as part of its corporate social responsibility, donated 25 bins to Mutare City to be distributed across the city.

ZCDC public relations and community development manager Mr Sugar Chagonda said the company was committed to a clean environment.