By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Cross Borders for ED association will on June 5 lead a national clean-up campaign in Beitbridge as part of efforts to promote environmental cleanliness and raise awareness against smuggling and drug abuse.
The campaign, which coincides with the country’s monthly national clean-up programme and World Environment Day commemorations, is expected to bring together cross-border traders and members of the association from all provinces.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cross Borders for ED National Spokesperson Imbayago Mangoma said the organisation was fully aligned with the President’s vision of building a clean, healthy and economically empowered Zimbabwe.
“We are supporting the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. As cross-border traders, we believe cleanliness and responsible business practices are important in building the Zimbabwe we all want,” said Mangoma.
Zimbabwe’s National Clean-Up Campaign was introduced in 2018 as part of government efforts to promote environmental sustainability, improved public health and community participation in maintaining clean surroundings.
Mangoma said Beitbridge was chosen because of its strategic importance as the country’s busiest border post and gateway for trade.
“We chose Beitbridge because it is the busiest border town in the country. We want to start from the border post, which is our home of business, up to the bus terminus area to promote cleanliness and awareness,” he said.
The association expects at least 60 members from each province to participate in the clean-up exercise.
Beyond environmental issues, the campaign will also focus on anti-smuggling and anti-drug abuse awareness under the theme: “Zero Tolerance to Smuggling and Zero Tolerance to Drug Trafficking and Abuse.”
Mangoma said cross-border traders had a responsibility to help fight criminal activities often associated with border communities.
“As cross borders, we are taking responsibility because most of the drugs pass through border points. It is our duty to work with communities and authorities in fighting drug trafficking and substance abuse,” he said.
He warned that failure to address rising drug abuse could have serious long-term consequences for Zimbabwe’s future.
“What will Zimbabwe be like in the next 10 years if we ignore the surge in drug and substance abuse? Communities must unite and fight this problem together,” Mangoma said.
Cross Borders for ED is an organisation representing cross-border traders and entrepreneurs who support economic empowerment, formal trade and national development initiatives under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.