Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
A local conservation expert and wildlife law enforcement specialist, Mr Amos Gwema, has called for the adoption of a national policy requiring all citizens to take responsibility for cleaning their surroundings.
This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of cleanliness and improve waste management across Zimbabwe.
A former senior ranger with the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) based in Hwange, Mr Gwema has been actively advocating for environmental stewardship since his retirement.
Drawing inspiration from countries with exemplary environmental practices, he recently wrote to the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, urging the Government to implement a cleanliness policy he has named “Clean Up Your Workplace.”
The proposed initiative encourages citizens to maintain cleanliness in their areas of operation, including homes, offices, vending sites, market stalls, business premises and public transport areas.
“The initiative is aimed at encouraging each citizen to take responsibility for keeping their area of operation clean and free of litter. We need to improve waste management practices and ensure that waste is properly disposed of and recycled,” said Mr Gwema.
He stressed the importance of holding local authorities accountable for litter and refuse collection, suggesting that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) oversee the implementation of the initiative in collaboration with local councils.
“We must ensure local authorities are held accountable and fulfil their responsibility to collect litter and refuse. Each citizen should take responsibility for keeping their area of operation clean and litter-free,” said Mr Gwema.
He noted that the “Clean Up Your Workplace” initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes sustainable cities and communities.
“By taking responsibility for our areas of operation, we can make a significant impact and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Recent visits to other countries have left an indelible mark on me, highlighting the stark contrast between their clean environments and our own,” he said.
The initiative builds on the foundation laid by the National Clean-Up Exercise, launched in 2018 by President Mnangagwa. Under this programme, citizens are encouraged to clean their surroundings on the first Friday of each month.
Zimbabwe faces significant challenges in waste management, with some communities turning backyards into dumping sites. According to the 2023 United Nations Environment Programme report, the country generates an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, of which only 16 percent is recycled.
Mr Gwema’s proposal seeks to address these issues by instilling a culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship, improving waste management practices and ensuring that local authorities fulfil their obligations.
“This experience inspired me to propose the ‘Clean Up Your Workplace’ concept, a national initiative aimed at promoting a culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship,” he said.
With his expertise and passion for conservation, Mr Gwema has also authored a book focusing on the protection of animals and communities, further advocating for sustainable environmental practices.— @ncubeleon
