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Lingani Nyika in Masvingo 

THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is advancing efforts to introduce a new statutory instrument that will mandate participation in national clean-up initiatives. 

This move is aligned with the aspirations of the Second Republic, aiming to ensure a cleaner and safer environment across the nation. 

The proposed statutory instrument will seek to institutionalise regular clean-up activities, making it compulsory for citizens, businesses, and organizations to engage in efforts to maintain and improve environmental hygiene. 

By mandating participation, EMA hopes to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and collective action among Zimbabweans.

This initiative is expected to address widespread environmental issues such as littering, pollution, and improper waste management. Ensuring a cleaner environment not only enhances public health and safety but also supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all citizens.

The push for increased environmental conservation efforts began when President Mnangagwa launched the national clean-up programme in December 2018 based on moral suasion urging all citizens to clean their environment between 8am and 10am on the first Friday of every month.

Currently, no law is in place compelling people or organisations to actively participate in clean-ups as per the Presidential declaration.

To foster environment conservation in the country, EMA recently hosted a media interactive workshop in Masvingo, focusing on sharing critical environment issues in the province to enhance proficient reporting and addressing challenges.

In an interview, EMA’s environmental education and publicity manager, Mrs Amkela Sidange, highlighted the urgent need for improved waste management and stronger policy enforcement as key drivers for the push towards mandatory clean-ups.

“We are in the process of having a statutory instrument being gazetted that will make the participation in the national clean-up mandatory, and a policy to be put in place that makes it mandatory for waste separation in every household,” she said.

“We also want to establish punitive measures for litterers to discourage those who continue to ignore the consequences of their actions on the environment.”

Mrs Sidange said waste separation based on its dry and wet nature is a crucial aspect of an effective waste management system.

“Local authorities and communities must work together to promote and enforce waste management policies that prioritize recycling, composting, and reducing landfill waste, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment for all,” she said.

“The new statutory instrument will, undoubtedly, be a significant stride forward in enforcing citizens’ responsibility towards a cleaner and greener future for Zimbabwe.”