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Kudakwashe Chidziya Manicaland Correspondent
THE Environmental Management Agency has urged residents to engage in responsible waste management as most high density suburbs in Mutare have become susceptible to diseases due to the mushrooming of illegal dumping sites.

Some residents of Chikanga, Sakubva and Dangamvura suburbs have been throwing waste at undesignated dumpsites due to erratic refuse collection by the city of Mutare.

EMA provincial environmental education and publicity officer Mrs Alice Chivese said the authority was concerned with the numerous dumpsites in the locations, which were putting people at risk of contracting diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

“EMA has noted with concern the reluctance of residents and citizens to practice good waste management.

‘‘Litter is all over the place and illegal dumping sites are fast emerging as alternative places for waste deposits in and around high density suburbs,” she said.

“More worryingly is the fact that some of the deposited waste is now interfering with water ways, which will eventually fuel the spread of waterborne and chronic diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.”

Mrs Chivese also urged residents to embark on a collective approach towards maintaining a clean environment.

“It is not only the duty of EMA to keep Mutare clean but residents have to be environmentally friendly and become more responsible people who do not throw litter everywhere.

“They should come up with a designated dumping site which will then be cleared by council,” she added.