September is clean-up month
September is a highlight on the environmental calendar, as it has been set aside for the purpose of achieving national hygiene.
ZIMBABWE has since 2009 joined the world during the month, when various stakeholders from all walks of life, participate in clean up activities, removing waste from the environment. September is the ideal month to clean the country as it precedes the coming of the rainy season. Solid waste in the environment is a menace during the rainy season because it transforms into water and air pollution, and blocks storm drains causing flashfloods in urban areas.
The 2017 clean up Zimbabwe programmes are already underway, with several players from various sectors initiating clean-up programmes throughout the country. This year’s activities are running under the theme:
“Zero tolerance to litter”. The theme is advocating for Zimbabweans to shun littering, thus controlling land pollution from point of generation by placing waste in a bin or on designated facilities.
Why cleaning our environment?
Living in polluted environments results in the spread of many water and air borne diseases. Subsequently, sickness leads to inevitable loss of money and resources at all levels. Dirty environments have detrimental effects to human health and ecological well-being through exposure to toxins.
Cleaning the environment reduces residual pollution on land, water and air as well as protects our unique ecosystems.
A clean environment is conducive for safe and healthy human habitation in which time, resources and effort are dedicated to productive systems, contributing to economic development and empowering the society.
A clean country is marketable to both tourists and investors, attracting foreign currency and contributing to the country’s GDP.
What activities are lined up this year?
For 2017, Zimbabwe has a number of stakeholder initiated clean up activities that are underway throughout the country. Those interested in cleaning their environments, starting with their immediate environments are urged to do so and can contact EMA for partnerships in resource mobilisation and support.
All the cleaning and awareness raising will culminate in a conference for stakeholders in October. The conference will run concurrently with an exhibition on waste management and recycling initiatives.
All those who want to participate in the conference or exhibition must register with EMA as soon as possible through the Agency’s contact details below.
Who can participate in the clean up activities, Conference and Exhibition?
It is everyone’s right to participate in environmental management activities that protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. The clean-up month is meant for every citizen to engage in activities that prevent litter accumulation in the environment.
As such, individuals, community-based groups, business community groups, schools, government institutions, NGOs and churches, are free to participate in all the activities to have our country clean.
Together - Protecting the Environ-ment
ZERO TOLERANCE TO LITTER
Send your feedback to; eep@ema.co.zw, like us on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website www. ema.co.zw . Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305550/ 305407/ 305188 and Toll-free 08080028; or use our WhatsApp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.