Anthony Muzondo
Masvingo Urban Ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa has lamented the level of littering in the city, saying much of the pollution could be attributed to residents who recklessly dispose of empty beverage bottles and takeaway containers.
Speaking during a press discussion organised by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) in the city recently, Muchokwa blamed much of the littering on take-away containers commonly known as kaylites, and plastic packaging for beverages.
He said many residents seem to lack love and respect for their town and surroundings as evidenced by the rampant littering.
“The city council’s refuse collection routine is consistent yet our streets are filled with empty Pepsi bottles and plastic food containers which imply that we do not value cleanness of the environment,” said Muchokwa.
He said cities like Bulawayo and Victoria Falls were cleaner owing to both the effort of their leaders and the attitude of their residents.
“They have small bins in every corner but here in Masvingo, we throw litter anywhere and we create dumping sites everywhere,” he said.
Muchokwa later thanked New Horizon Pharmacy and Delta Beverages for installing bins and dumpsters at such litter hotspots as Mucheke Bus Terminus.
Masvingo United Residence Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokespersons Godfrey Mtimba urged residents to utilise the provided bins to dispose of the garbage they generate.
“Residents should be responsible of keeping the environment clean, and they should desist from throwing litter everywhere,” said Mtimba.
In February this year, government announced new draft regulations that would see local authorities that fail to collect waste being fined US$5000, while those caught littering would be fined US$500 or face six months in jail. Almost eight months later, the draft regulations are still yet to be gazetted.
