Story by Jerold Sasa
Over 600 people from Mashonaland East province have completed a training programme in waste management amid a pledge by the beneficiaries to be environmental stewards in their communities.
The 635 people drawn from Mashonaland East Province’s nine districts were equipped with skills in waste management under a programme initiated by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The beneficiaries are excited about the prospects that lie ahead in their quest to transform their lives and communities for the better.
“I am very excited to have been trained in this programme which is set to empower me economically,” said one of the participants.
“From now on, I won’t be seeing trash, but cash all over after this training,” said another.
Another added, “This is the opportunity we have to transform our communities using waste.”
The government has since pledged to continue working with communities to ensure a clean environment.
“We want to work with our communities to maintain a clean environment while at the same time getting money out of it,” said Deputy Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi.
“This is a special day for the people of Mashonaland East who have been trained to use waste for economic empowerment,” noted Mashonaland East Permanent Secretary, Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa.
Chief Nechombo weighed in, “As traditional leaders, we are in full support of this initiative which guarantees a clean environment.”
Organisations involved in waste management exhibited various artefacts made from recycled waste.
