Harare residents set for better municipal waste co...

Harare residents set for better municipal waste collection as COH builds transfer stations

Bridget Mabanda

The City of Harare is constructing waste transfer stations as it implements the integrated solid waste management plan and embracing a different philosophy of waste management.

Speaking to Zimbabwe Now, City of Harare Acting Corporate Communications Mananger Innocent Ruwende said the development will help to improve door-to-door refuse collections.

“We are in the process of constructing material recovery centres where our refuse compactors will dump litter for onward transportation to Pomona using tipper trucks.

“This will give more time for our refuse compactors to do door-to-door collections other than spend more time transporting waste to Pomona dumping site,” said Ruwende.

Ruwende said the council is migrating from the usual linear model of refuse collection whereby waste is generated, collected and transported to Pomona by adopting the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.

He urged people to separate refuse as some can be used as manure.

“We will be encouraging separation of waste at source because not everything must find its way into bins since biodegradable materials can be used as compost,” he said.

Harare, like other local authorities in the country, has challenges on refuse collection which include lack of a shared vision with the residents, culture, plant and equipment.

However, the council has implemented long-term plans to solve the issue which are continuous engagement and dialogue with the citizens for alignment and collective ownership, improving fleet numbers through repairs, maintenance and replacement as well as implementation of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.