Sharon Masocha
The Government has approved the procurement of more tipper trucks, front-end loaders and refuse compactors to improve waste management in Harare.
The procurement process is still in progress, which is a reflection of the officials’ commitment to tackling the city’s garbage collection challenges.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the ministry was working on increasing the garbage collection fleet from 25 to at least 60.
“The Government managed to increase the refuse compactors from 25 under Operation Chenesa Phase 1,” he said.
“Procurement of yellow equipment has been approved, including tipper trucks, front-end loaders and refuse compactors. The procurement process is still in progress.”
He said Harare’s central business district, Mbare, Sunningdale, and other high-density suburbs have been identified as hotspots for garbage accumulation.
“Solid waste is being collected in Harare CBD, although not as much as we want. To enhance waste management, several initiatives have been lined up, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Harare City Council and a private waste management company last year.
“The partnership aims to improve the collection and management of solid waste across the city, with implementation expected to begin soon,” he said.
Since its launch, Operation Chenesa has conveyed over 20 000 tonnes of waste to the Pomona Dumpsite.
“We also have a clean-up programme which is a brainchild of President Mnangagwa. It is conducted every first Friday of the month and every organisation takes part in the exercise.
“However, the general public must also take part in the clean-up exercise to ensure coverage of all areas,” said Minister Garwe.
He urged citizens to keep their respective areas clean.
