The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has urged municipalities to overhaul their water and sewer reticulation systems so that they can service the population which has grown over the years.
Speaking in an interview on Friday after a clean-up exercise in Gwanda, VP Mohadi said the population in towns has outgrown the existing water and sewer reticulation. He said the Government was also working on phasing out plastic packaging as it was contaminating the environment and harmful to animals.
“A problem that we have when it comes to the environment is that the population in towns has increased and the water and sewer reticulation systems can’t service the people. Municipalities are therefore urged to overhaul their sewer and water systems so they can be able to service the people.
“When it comes to refuse that is being disposed of in dump sites there is need for it to be graded. It shouldn’t just be disposed of and left there. For some materials that are degradable such as plastics they should be recycled. But the aim of Government is to phase out all plastic packaging because its contaminating the environment. If livestock eat these plastics they die, it’s a very dangerous waste material,” he said.
Addressing residents from Gwanda and other stakeholders outside Pelandaba Stadium, VP Mohadi called on citizens to take an active role in cleaning their communities and not rely only on local authorities.
“The rainy season is fast approaching and we should prepare for it in the most environmentally friendly manner as we can. Let us clear all storm drains so as to avoid the clogging of the drains which may lead to the outbreak of cholera, typhoid and even the breeding of mosquitoes. Further such a situation depletes the availability of quality clean water for domestic purposes and is associated with the high cost of water purification and leads to disease outbreaks,” he said.
VP Mohadi also warned those that broke environmental laws.
Speaking at the same event Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Abednico Ncube expressed gratitude towards VP Mohadi for leading the clean-up exercise.
“For the past months I have been touring all our districts and it’s pleasing to note that our people are embracing this initiative as evidenced by the huge numbers participating in the monthly clean up events. May you all continue in this regard,’’ he said.
VP Mohadi was accompanied by various stakeholders including heads of Government departments and uniformed forces cleaned the area around Pelandaba Stadium.
Residents from the town cleaned their various wards while institutions and workers cleaned their premises.
@DubeMatutu
