‘Water problems could lead to diseases outbreak’

THE Environment Management Agency (EMA) has said water problems affecting Bulawayo are contributing to an increase in sewer pipe bursts which could cause diseases.

Bulawayo is facing a water crisis due to falling dam levels and this has forced council to introduce water shedding in all suburbs.

In an interview on the sidelines of the provincial clean-up exercise held in Pumula South’s koMpofu shops yesterday, EMA Bulawayo manager Mr Descent Ndlovu said water cuts were affecting the city’s waste management.

“I think there is a challenge as the water shedding is now affecting management of waste. If there is no water there are more (sewer) blockages which causes burst pipes,” said Mr Ndlovu.

He said EMA was working closely with the council to ensure that the burst sewer pipes are timely attended to.

Turning to the said residents have the importance of environment.

“However, we still have other places such as Makokoba where we think residents should also change their attitudes. Generally, there is an improvement in the clean-up exercise as more people now appreciate the importance of a clean environment.

“We have now included school children in the exercise so that they grow up being responsible citizens,” he said.

Yesterday’s clean-up exercise included pupils from Pumula South Secondary School and Premier High School.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Judith Ncube was represented by an official in her office Mrs Agnes Makoni while Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni and other city officials, Zimbabwe National Army members, police, private sector organisations and residents participated in the exercise.

In Matabeleland South, Provincial Affairs Minister, Cde Abednico Ncube led the provincial clean-up exercise which was conducted in West Nicholson.

Addressing stakeholders during the clean-up exercise Cde Ncube urged people to ensure that their surroundings remain clean.

“Let’s make cleaning a habit and let’s not wait for the first Friday of every month. Let’s desist from littering the streets but rather let’s dispose litter properly.

“Thank you clean-up exercise, he started to appreciate cleaning up their all for participating in this programme and taking heed of the message from our President who launched this clean-up exercise,” he said.

Cde Ncube also spoke against the sanctions saying they had to go.

In the Midlands Province, stakeholders gathered in Torwood suburb, Redcliff where they cleaned the residential areas led by the Provincial Development Coordinator, Mr Abiot Maronge.

In a speech read on his behalf by the director in his office Mr Cleto Diwa, Provincial Affairs Minister, Larry Mavima urged residents to play a key role in maintaining a litter free environment.

“I encourage all of you to play a key role towards a litter free environment. I also urge each local authorities to have local authority charters that should be displayed at public places and followed diligently. Local authorities should set standards on cleanliness that should be followed by the general public,” he said.

Minister Mavima also urged companies to adopt areas which they pledge to clean from time to time so that they operate in a clean environment.

In Victoria Falls, various stakeholders cleaned around their premises and along major streets in the Central Business District. At a local hotel where MPs are gathered for the 2019 pre-budget seminar, acting Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Mangaliso Ndlovu challenged MPs to lead by example in cleaning the environment.

“Before I get into my presentation may I hasten to say we missed an opportunity. We should have all descended on one area in Victoria Falls and cleaned it up to show that as Parliament we care about our surroundings. Environment is the foundation upon which Zimbabwe will thrive,” said Minister Ndlovu.

However, some individual staff members from Parliament joined the Victoria Falls municipality management and staff to clean Livingstone Way as the resort town joined the rest of the country in observing the National Clean-Up Day.

In Beitbridge scores of residents gathered at Chicago village some 12km along the Beitbridge-Masvingo road to clean the area along the Highway and the Business Centre.

Acting District Development Coordinator Mr Jahson Mugodzwa led the proceedings.

The clean-up exercise focused mainly on the Highways and bus termini.