The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube
CHURCHES have pledged to stop using kaylites during their functions in an effort to create a clean environment and reduce the spread of diseases.
According to a research done by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the use of kaylites causes cancer.
EMA and the churches have resolved to establish committees or departments that will deal with waste management.
They have also resolved to use green procurement at church events, conduct anti-litter programs within the churches, promote lifestyle change, provide bins and educate their communities on issues to do with waste management.
Churches have also pledged to discard posters and move to social media for their announcements.
Speaking at an event that was held under the theme “Prayer in a litter free environment”, EMA Director General, Mrs Mutsa Chasi said her organisation has been working with individual denominations in the past but have decided to work with various churches.
“Realising that a united Christian front will hasten our desired goal, we as EMA have decided to invite you all to this meeting, to work together since you share a lot in common.
“For the past four to five years, we have been working with individual churches such as the Seventh Day Adventist, Christ Embassy and Anglican, the results were coming but gradually.
“Our research indicates that Christians constitute about sixty to seventy percent of the Zimbabwean population, hence the decision to convene this meeting,” Mrs Chasi said.
Church leaders were also urged to spearhead the gospel of cleanliness and inculcate values of responsibility among congregates.
“We command a large followership hence we prioritise waste management in order to avert health hazards,” said Mr Maseva, a Ufic representative.
He added that it is his church’s vision to develop a safety, health and environmental policy and guidelines on waste management.
The Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA), Seventh Day Adventist, the Anglican church, Christ Embassy, Harvest House International, Heartfelt Ministries International, Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, River of Life Church and The United Church of Christ, among other churches took part and committed to raise awareness on keeping the environment clean.
