Talent Gore
THE Emergency Solid Waste Management programme has cleared over 350 dumpsites out of a targeted 800 in Harare, featuring an almost 50 percent success rate, according to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
The programme is designed to eliminate garbage piles and has cleared rubbish in areas such as Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Glen View, Glen Norah and Chitungwiza.
Residents have created illegal dumpsites due to the failure of local authorities to collect rubbish, leading to the emergence of new challenges for the programme.
Harare’s mushrooming accumulation of illegal waste dumps prompted President Mnangagwa to declare a National Disaster last month.
EMA spokesperson, Amkela Sidange, said some of the hurdles they are facing include the recurrence of dumpsites due to local authorities’ failure to collect garbage.
“As such, residents are left with no choice, but to create other illegal dumpsites. We have, however, arrested some people and we hope local authorities apply by-laws to ensure those who breach the law are brought to book,” said Sidange.