Harare’s litter woes can be resolved, say residents

Harare residents and other stakeholders have said the litter challenge can easily be resolved if the City of Harare puts its mind to it.

THEY said authorities should be motivated by the desire for Harare to regain its “Sunshine City” status. The need to attract investment should also give them the impetus to go all out to have the city, particularly the Central Business District (CBD) clean. Other stakeholders need to move in with haste as well.

In response to my article last week on the eyesore that Harare’s CBD has become, many readers implored Harare to come up with a proper plan that could redress the situation in the shortest possible time, with many saying it was an issue that needed the attention it deserves. Basically, it is just about cleaning the dirt and ensuring no one drops litter again.

Below are some of the responses that we received from concerned citizens and potential investors.

ZIMBABWE, a nation rich in natural resources and potential, is at a critical juncture in its development journey. With the launch of Vision 2030, the country has set ambitious goals to transform its economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

However, the realisation of these goals requires a well-structured and coordinated planning framework that engages all stakeholders and addresses the challenges faced by the nation.

The need for Zimbabwe to collectively come together to realise Vision 2030 cannot be overstated.

The country has faced numerous socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure.

Vision 2030 seeks to address these issues by focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism.

To achieve this vision, effective planning is crucial.

Structuring the Vision 2030 mix

To effectively attain Vision 2030, it is essential to structure the goals and strategies in a comprehensive and coherent manner.

This involves identifying the key sectors and areas that require development, setting clear targets and establishing a roadmap for implementation.

A well-structured mix will ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, and efforts are directed towards achieving the desired outcomes.

The structuring process should involve thorough research, analysis and consultation with experts and stakeholders from various sectors.

This will help identify the most critical areas for development and prioritise interventions accordingly. Additionally, the mix should take into account the country’s unique challenges and opportunities, as well as align with international best practices.

Clear planning framework

A clear planning framework is essential for translating the goals and strategies of Vision 2030 into actionable plans.

This framework should outline the steps and processes involved in developing and implementing the plans, including the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders.

It should also incorporate mechanisms for

Vision 2030 seeks to address the socio-economic challenges Zimbabwe is facing by focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism

monitoring and evaluating progress to ensure the plans remain on track.

The planning framework should be based on a thorough understanding of the current socio-economic landscape and the desired outcomes of Vision 2030.

It should also consider the potential risks and challenges that may arise during implementation and devise appropriate mitigation strategies. Moreover, the framework should be flexible enough to accommodate changes and adjustments as needed.

Clear coordination framework

Effective coordination among various stakeholders is crucial for the successful implementation of Vision 2030.

A clear coordination framework should be established to ensure all relevant actors are involved and working towards the same goals.

This includes Government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organisations and international partners.

The coordination framework should define the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder and establish mechanisms for communication, collaboration and information sharing.

It should also facilitate the alignment of

efforts and resources to avoid duplication and ensure efficient utilisation. Regular meetings, workshops and consultations can be organised to foster cooperation and address any issues or challenges that may arise.

Provincial structured framework

Zimbabwe is a diverse country with varying regional needs and priorities.

To ensure inclusive and balanced development, a provincial structured framework should be established as part of the planning process for Vision 2030.

This framework should take into account the unique characteristics and potential of each province and tailor interventions accordingly.

The provincial structured framework should involve extensive consultation with local communities, traditional leaders and provincial authorities.

It should identify the specific challenges and opportunities in each province and develop targeted strategies to address them.

This will help ensure the benefits of development are spread evenly across the country and no region is left behind.

Legislative framework to back the vision ******

Tendai Makore wrote: Dear Editor, The poor state of refuse collection and littering in Harare are a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Litter is not only unsightly, it also poses a health risk to residents and attracts disease-carrying vermin. In addition, the lack of proper waste management is causing water pollution and other environmental problems. It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. I would like to suggest the following solution:

The city should establish a community-based waste management programme under which residents are encouraged to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their own neighbourhoods. This could involve a variety of initiatives, such as organising regular clean-up days, providing residents with recycling bins and conducting educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal.

With the support of the community, this programme could make a significant difference in improving the condition of the city. Additionally, the city could consider increasing the number of public bins available and placing them in strategic locations. This would make it easier for residents to properly dispose of their waste, reducing the amount of litter on the streets. The bins could also be clearly labelled to encourage residents to recycle their waste. By doing this, I believe Harare can regain its Sunshine City status.

In God I trust!

Twitter handle: @VictoriaRuzvid2; Email: victoria.ruzvidzo@zimpapers.co.zw; victoria.ruzvidzo@gmail.com; WhatsApp number: 0772 129 972.

To provide a solid foundation for the implementation of Vision 2030, a supportive legislative framework is essential.

This framework should include laws, regulations and policies that enable and facilitate the achievement of the vision’s goals.

It should address issues such as investment, trade, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

The legislative framework should be developed through a consultative and participatory process, involving relevant stakeholders and experts. It should be aligned with international best practices and take into account the specific needs and challenges of Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance should be established to ensure the effective implementation of the legislation.

Stakeholder participation

The success of Vision 2030 depends on the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders, including Government, the private sector, civil society and citizens.

Stakeholders should be involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation processes to ensure their perspectives and concerns are taken into account.