By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
LOW participation in the National Clean-Up Campaign has raised concern within the Beitbridge Rural District Council (BBRDC), with only three out of 15 wards taking part.
The issue came to the fore during a full council meeting held on Monday.
BBRDC Chief Executive Officer Kiliboni Mbedzi said the local authority had carried out three clean-up campaigns in the first quarter two in Lutumba and one in Chasvingo.
She also noted, refuse collection has stalled due to a breakdown of council tractors.
“Efforts are underway to repair the tractors and spare parts have already been procured,” she said.
Despite these efforts, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) expressed concern over low participation levels across the district.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) District Head Mrs. Nompumelelo Chigwinya expressed concern over the low turnout, noting that participation in the campaign is mandatory.
“Only Lutumba, Chasvingo and Zezani submitted reports. Other wards are not participating,” she said.
She emphasized that environmental management and climate resilience remain key priorities under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which runs to 2030.
BBRDC Council Chairperson Oscar Chiromo said even government workers were failing to lead by example.
“There is need for the DDC to issue a memo to all stakeholders and ensure information reaches communities and village heads to drive participation,” he said.
The National Clean-Up Campaign in Zimbabwe is a monthly, nationwide initiative launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018, held on the first Friday of every month.
It aims to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment, curb disease outbreaks like cholera, and combat pollution
The initiative engages the corporate sector, local government, schools, and individuals in cleaning surroundings, including commercial business districts and residential areas.
The spotlight is now on local leaders and residents to step up and turn the clean-up campaign into a district-wide effort