By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba,— Traditional leaders in Mashonaland West have called on communities to play a central role in protecting the environment, urging residents to stop treating waste as someone else’s responsibility and instead take ownership of sanitation, recycling, and land restoration.
The appeal was made at the Mashonaland West Clean Green Cities Awards ceremony in Kariba this Thursday, where local authorities, environmental stakeholders, and civic leaders gathered to recognise progress in waste management while charting the way forward for a province-wide “zero waste” revolution.
During the event, chiefs emphasised that government clean-up drives would only achieve lasting results if households, schools, business operators, and village leadership structures actively participated in environmental protection.
Chief Msampa applauded the national clean-up campaign, saying it had helped strengthen a culture of cleanliness across communities.
He added that traditional leadership would continue encouraging people to keep their surroundings clean and to report challenges such as illegal dumping.
“Government’s clean-up campaign has instilled a culture of cleanliness in many communities. As traditional leaders, we will continue to champion environmental stewardship and ensure our people take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean,” Chief Msampa said.
Chief Chundu, on his part, urged communities to complement sanitation efforts with massive reforestation initiatives and stronger action against veld fires.
“These efforts must be backed by reforestation programmes and the prevention of veld fires. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and communities must be fully involved in these initiatives,” Chief Chundu added.
In the same vein, local authorities were urged to improve waste systems while also turning waste into economic opportunities. Officials highlighted that effective waste management could support employment creation and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Mashonaland West Provincial authorities used the awards to reinforce the need for recycling, separation of waste at source, and value addition rather than disposal alone.
Mashonaland West Chairperson of the Association of Rural District Councils, Mr Nyarubero, said councils were open to adopting innovative approaches and partnerships that improve both service delivery and environmental outcomes.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with local waste management players. This model shows that waste can be transformed into valuable resources that support communities, including through energy generation and fertiliser production.
“Councils are committed to improving collection systems, investing in infrastructure, and embracing modern technologies,” Mr Nyarubero said.
Environmental experts also stressed that public attitudes toward waste needed to change.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Mashonaland West Provincial Manager Mr Kingstone Chitotombe said waste must be handled as an economic asset that can create jobs and reduce environmental harm.
“Our focus should be on waste separation at source, recycling and value addition. Waste must no longer be viewed as a burden, but as a resource that can contribute to employment and environmental sustainability,” Mr Chitotombe said.
Other speakers at the awards called for dedicated funding to support long-term environmental programmes and to ensure sustainability beyond one-off clean-up campaigns.
Honourable Marian Chombo, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said the provincial theme—“Our Cities, Our Pride: Leading the Zero Waste and Green Revolution in Mashonaland West Province”—was not just a slogan but a practical call to action.
“This theme reflects the dignity of both rural and urban spaces and the urgent need to move from careless disposal to a circular economy anchored on resource efficiency, innovation and sustainability,” she said.
Minister Chombo also noted that the initiative aligns with Government’s wider national clean-up campaign, which aims to promote better environmental practices across the country.
The awards highlighted growing efforts to improve waste management standards and reduce environmental pollution. Kariba Municipality emerged as the overall winner, scooping more than five awards, after demonstrating strong performance in clean-city practices and community-focused environmental programmes.
As Mashonaland West intensifies the push for greener settlements, speakers repeatedly stressed that progress would depend on the involvement of everyone—especially households and community leadership structures—working together to protect the land, reduce pollution, and build sustainable systems for the future.
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