Operation Chenesa Harare extended by 7 days

THE ongoing campaign to restore cleanliness in Harare has been extended by seven days to allow the Harare City Council to develop a sustainable solid waste management plan for the capital.

The Government-led operation, which was launched a fortnight ago, has so far cleared over 12 000 tonnes of garbage from Harare’s overflowing dumpsites.

According to Friday’s update report from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, more than 30 vehicles were deployed last week to clear solid waste from dumpsites.

“The first extension of Operation Chenesa Harare blitz ended today, January 19, 2024,” reads the report.

“A progress review meeting convened today (Friday) resolved to extend the blitz by a further seven days (January 20-26, 2024) while the City of Harare is working on a more sustainable solid waste management plan.”

According to the report, about 5 212 tonnes were removed from 73 dumpsites in areas classified under region one, which cover the CBD, Mbare, Sunningdale, Waterfalls and Hatfield.

More than 5 518 tonnes of solid waste were also cleared from 91 dumpsites in suburbs under region three (Highfield, Southerton, Glen Norah, Glen View, Churu Farm, Budiriro and Mufakose).

From region four, which includes Dzivaresekwa, Warren Park, Kambuzuma, Kuwadzana, Mabelreign, Marlborough and Mt Pleasant, about 1 648 tonnes of garbage were cleared from 21 dumpsites.

The operation, according to the report, was being hamstrung by the breakdown of equipment during operations; inadequate fleet to cover all the five regions concurrently; and resurfacing of illegal dumps in areas that would have been cleared, particularly in the CBD and Mbare.

“The operation requires more equipment, especially tipper trucks, during the extension period,” the report reads.

“Meanwhile, there is need for optimum use of the available equipment.

“There is need to strengthen awareness in communities to promote behaviour change on waste management.

“It is critical that breakdowns be attended to in the shortest possible period to enable quick resumption of works.”

It also notes that there is need for a longterm sustainability plan, which involves massive investment in machinery and equipment.

Government recently stepped in to restore sanity in Harare by rolling out a major clean-up campaign to curb the spread of cholera.

Cholera cases have been steadily rising in recent weeks, raising public alarm, amid concerns over the capital’s poor sanitation and water shortages.

Harare City Council has been failing to provide basic services, putting the lives of residents at risk.