Story by John Nhandara
THE Emergency Solid Waste Management programme has posted close to a 50% success rate with revelations that over 350 out of a targeted 800 dump sites have been cleared in Harare, according to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
The programme, implemented by the Environmental Management Authority has cleared garbage piles in areas such as Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Glen View, Glen Norah, and Chitungwiza suburbs.
“The programme is going on very well. To date, we have cleared 357 dump sites. Our target is to clear 800 dumpsites,” said EMA spokesperson, Ms Amkela Sidange.
The Environmental Management Agency however says some of the hurdles they are facing include the recurrence of dump sites due to local authorities’ failure to collect garbage from residents.
“Our setback is the local authorities who are not collecting garbage from residents. As such, residents are left with no choice but they opt to create other illegal dumpsites. We have however arrested some people and we hope local authorities apply by-laws to make sure those who breach the law are brought to book,” said Ms Sidange.
Harare Metropolitan has seen the mushrooming and accumulation of illegal waste dumps with piles of uncollected garbage a common appearance in business and residential areas, prompting President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare the state of waste management in Harare a national disaster last month.
