By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Kariba District convened a key community engagement meeting on 10 December 2025 at Mola Business Centre, drawing strong participation from local business owners, farmers, and representatives from various government departments committed to promoting sustainable environmental practices.
The meeting focused on the establishment of waste management committees at Mola and Siakobvu Business Centres, aimed at addressing growing challenges related to solid waste management, riverbank cultivation, fire management, and deforestation.
The urgency of these environmental concerns was evident throughout the discussions.
Community members welcomed the initiative with optimism. Alice Nyamande, a shop owner in Mola, said the move was long overdue.
“It’s high time we took action. Our community is drowning in waste, and I believe these committees will help us turn the situation around,” she said, stressing the importance of collective responsibility for long-term sustainability.
Paul Majoni from Siakobvu echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the link between environmental protection and agricultural productivity.
“Healthy land is essential for our farms. By managing waste properly and caring for our environment, we can secure better harvests for everyone,” he said.
The meeting was further strengthened by contributions from EMA District Environmental Officer Mr Abrham Zulu, who outlined the broader objectives of the campaign.
“This initiative is not only about reducing solid waste but also about cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship within our communities,” Zulu said. “We must work together to address these challenges.”
He emphasized the need for community education on the impact of waste on rivers and land, adding that collaboration with local stakeholders would be key to achieving lasting change.
As deliberations continued, participants agreed that the formation of waste management committees marked only the first step.
Local leaders committed to rolling out regular clean-up campaigns, conducting awareness workshops on responsible waste disposal, and undertaking tree-planting activities to curb deforestation.
Local farmer Joseph Chikomo underscored the long-term benefits of the initiative.
“Protecting our environment is an investment in our future. Our children deserve to grow up in a clean and healthy community,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as the establishment of waste management committees at Mola and Siakobvu Business Centres was hailed as a significant milestone in community-driven environmental management.
With strong commitment from residents, local businesses, and authorities, the EMA Kariba District campaign is poised to chart a sustainable path forward—fostering hope for a cleaner, greener future for all.
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