The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare
“AS a dog drags your baby’s discarded diaper, so is the baby’s destiny.”
These few, but thought-provoking words were uttered by Chief Chundu from Mashonaland West as he warned mothers who are in the habit of recklessly disposing of used diapers.
Most towns and cities are now an eyesore as used diapers can be seen everywhere, even in central business districts. With the advent of technology, most mothers have ditched the traditional reusable cloth nappies for the disposable diapers, which they consider to be “convenient”.
Not many modern mothers fancy washing nappies. Opposition-led urban councils’ failure to provide water has compelled mothers to embrace diapers.
However, the supposed convenience is threatening the environment through pollution as soiled diapers are being recklessly disposed of.
The situation is being worsened by the opposition-led councils that are not timely collecting refuse.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has since raised concern over the issue.
“We are working round the clock in making sure the matter of pollution is taken seriously. Diapers are non-biodegradable and made from wood pulp and polyethylene plastics. According to our report, 14 percent of the solid waste consists of sanitary wear, mainly diapers.
“It is a matter of poor mismanagement by mothers. We always encourage proper disposal of these sanitary items. It’s a question of placing them in a bin for council to properly dispose of them,” said EMA education and publicity manager Ms Amkela Sidange.
But apart from pollution and the resultant effects, do mothers know the cultural implications of throwing around these used products?
“As traditional leaders, we work hand-in-hand with EMA in awareness campaigns on how people should dispose of waste to keep our communities clean and ensure a healthy environment.
“However, there is a cultural element to it that needs to be taught to the public. It is not just pollution that we are fighting. Baby waste should be disposed of properly as has been the case in the past. We need to preserve our cultural values and, at the same time, protect our children from potential harm,” said Chief Ngezi, born Peter Pasipamire, of Mashonaland West, in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society.
Young mothers, he said, need to be wary of people who use juju (witchcraft).
“Throwing diapers around in public places exposes babies to dangers of juju. There are people who harvest used diapers for juju, as children are used in most rituals. Some mix that waste with juju for self-enrichment and other evil practices.”
Chief Chundu, born Abel Mbasera, of Hurungwe, weighed in.
“I usually question where we are heading, at this rate. Technology is good; we accept it, but the people who are misusing technological products make us hate evolution.
“When a baby was born, our elders had a special way of disposing of the baby’s waste. They would dig a hole at a secret place such that enemies would not have access to it.
“This was a way of keeping our children safe from spiritual attacks. If your enemy sees you dumping your baby diapers, they can make your child sick,” warned Chief Chundu, who is a member of the chiefs’ council.
The traditional leader added that if a person spits on seeing a used diaper, the child can become permanently cursed, and having dogs play around with it (diaper) takes away blessings from the child.
“When the diapers are thrown around, even dogs will end up picking them up, and that has a negative effect on the child,” added Chief Chundu.
Even a baby’s clothes, the chief said, used to be stored separately as a way of safeguarding the child’s health.
“Diapers are not the only items these women are disposing of recklessly. Sanitary pads are also being left lying around. This is a dangerous practice that may lead to miscarriages if the sanitary pad gets into the hands of people who use juju,” warned Chief Nebiri, born Wilson Nebiri, from Siyakobvu.
