Residents in the Mpopoma suburb today embarked on a massive clean-up exercise as part of efforts to address the litter challenge and clear illegal dumpsites in the Ward.
The clean-up exercise, organized by Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy in Mpopoma, forms part of the actions lined up to promote cleanliness and improve refuse collection in Mpopoma. Last month, Community Advocates engaged the Bulawayo City Council over the lack of adherence to the litter collection schedule.
The inconsistent collection of garbage had given rise to illegal dumpsites that posed a serious public health threat in communities.
Sanatiel Sibanda, one of the Habakkuk Trust Community Advocates explained that the clean-up campaign was one of the resolutions that came out of their engagement meeting with the local authority officials.
“All solid waste will be placed at strategic points for refuse trucks to collect tomorrow morning (Friday),” he said.
As part of their long-term solid waste management plan, residents agreed that the City Council should penalize residents responsible for littering and that all culprits should be reported.
The Community Advocates are also in the process of producing fliers and pamphlets to raise awareness on solid waste management.
Habakkuk Trust donated facemasks, cleaning gloves, bin bags, and took part in the cleaning exercise. All the Illegal dumpsites which had sprouted in the suburb were cleared. The campaign also received huge support from individuals and companies which provided refreshments and PPEs.
Source: Habakkuk Trust