The Zimbabwean Government has launched a massive clean-up campaign, Operation Chenesa Harare, aimed at restoring cleanliness in the capital city, Harare, which has been grappling with a deluge of uncollected garbage. The initiative, in response to recent disease outbreaks, particularly cholera, has seen significant progress, with over 200 tonnes of waste cleared from the city.
Minister Winston Chitando and Permanent Secretary John Bhasera took to the streets of Harare to monitor the operation’s advancement. Minister Chitando emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring Harare moves towards its Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income economy. The operation has mobilized 34 trucks deployed to five zones across the city, demonstrating a concerted effort to tackle the sanitation crisis.
The Department of Civil Protection director, Mr. Nathan Nkomo, highlighted the government’s swift response to the cholera outbreak, citing the Civil Protection Act as the legal basis for their intervention. He stressed the essential nature of uncollected waste as a disruption of vital services, underscoring the government’s duty to alleviate the situation. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and the donation of equipment have bolstered the operation’s success.
In response, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume expressed gratitude to the government for their support, acknowledging the much-needed cooperation from the central authorities. The sentiment was echoed by residents, such as Mrs. Muza, who lauded the government’s intervention as a relief from the unsanitary conditions they had endured, urging the local council to ensure regular waste collection to prevent a recurrence of the crisis.
Local businesses also voiced appreciation for the operation’s impact, with Mr. Trynos Kamba, a barber, expressing relief that his workplace was no longer plagued by the stench emanating from nearby dumpsites. Meanwhile, Mr. Kelvin Tembo and other residents expressed profound gratitude for the government’s efforts in clearing illegal dumpsites, emphasizing the transformative effect on their communities.
The broader message from residents like Susan Nkani emphasizes the need for community involvement in maintaining cleanliness and preventing disease outbreaks. She underscored the importance of personal responsibility in keeping neighborhoods clean and called for a collective effort in support of the government’s sanitation initiatives.
The swift and decisive action taken by the Zimbabwean government in launching Operation Chenesa Harare reflects a dedicated commitment to public health and urban revitalization, underscoring the imperative of collaborative efforts in combating sanitation challenges. The positive impact of this operation serves as a testament to the power of coordinated interventions in transforming communities and safeguarding the well-being of residents.
