Keeping environment clean is everyone’s responsibility

EDITOR — What used to be the Sunshine City has now turned into something beyond words, something partly caused by overpopulation.

Although the council has an obligation to routinely collect garbage, residents are playing a major role in how the city looks.

Every morning, cleaners are seen sweeping the streets, but when you check the streets later in the day, you will be horrified.

Personally, I have met people who do not even feel guilty to drop litter anywhere no matter how clean the place is. In most cases you find a pile of litter just beside the bin and you would wonder who in their right senses could miss a bin that big.

I have come to realise that people have been infected with a dangerous disease and it does not allow them to stay in a clean environment. People have a bad tendency of not placing litter in the bins.

There are bins all over, but people do not want to use them. I begin to interrogate myself on how we can change that culture. After littering, they will start complaining about how dirty Harare is and how the city council has failed to provide a clean environment.

City of Harare has a vision of making Harare a world class city by 2025, but as long as we have people who do not share the same vision it can never be fulfilled.

People must love their own city by placing litter in bins to create a clean environment. Imagine what can become of our city if everyone can play their role by placing litter in bins. People should understand the implications of their actions and act accordingly.

Our efforts, together with that of the council, can help create a clean and safe environment. People need to change their mind-set and be responsible.