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Sharon Chigeza Mutare Correspondent
MUTARE City Council has pledged to create a safe and healthy working environment that will attract more foreign investment into its business operations.

Speaking during commemorations of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Mutare Mayor Tatenda Nhamarare who was represented by his deputy Mr Collins Mukwada said the city had a huge desire to attract investors by creating a safe and healthy working environment.

“Mutare City Council is one of the biggest employers in the province. We commit to continue developing and implementing effective Occupational Safety Health (OSH) programmes to safeguard the lives and health of our employees. By virtue of us being one of the biggest employers we have a huge desire to attract investment in business by creating a safe, healthy and clean environment for business,” he said.

Councillor Nhamarare pledged to do everything in his capacity and work towards zero carnage in the workplace to attract foreign investment reiterating that a safe and healthy workforce was a prerequisite for industrialisation and wealth creation.

“Employers should note that a safe and healthy workforce is a prerequisite for industrialisation and wealth creation.

“We commit to follow the ‘Vision Zero’ strategies and have special programmes for the vulnerable groups of our workers, including the young workers and we will do all that is within our capacity to make our city attractive to investors,” he said.

He added that the City of Mutare was willing to collaborate in a tripartite arrangement with Government, Business and Labour to create safe working conditions for workers and stressed the need to have clear cut policies and strategies in relation to occupational safety and health.

The root causes of on-the-job injuries and deaths of young workers was also a cause for concern that needed to be addressed by senior officials, he added.

“We need to search deep within ourselves for answers as to why workers continue to suffer injuries, diseases and die from well known causes associated with their employment. There is need to speak with one voice against bad occupational safety and health practices in the workplace and stop the workplace carnage.

“It must be realised that successful management of workplace hazards requires organisations to have clear safety and health policies, roles, structures and procedures to execute work in a safe manner and environment.

“We should never be satisfied with mediocre performance in business, including the management of Occupational Safety and Health in Zimbabwe, especially here in Mutare where we have no desire to be second best,” Clr Nhamarare added.