Vic Falls intensifies anti-litter drive

Zim Now Writer

The Victoria Falls waste management taskforce is intensifying efforts to ensure the resort city remains clean by ticketing litterbugs.

The Pristine Victoria Falls Society initiative, which was formed in October 2021 has stakeholders or individuals adopting a street or section of the city which they regularly clean.

It was through the PVFS that the task force, which comprises the Environmental Management Authority, Victoria Falls City Council, and the police as lead agents to enforce cleanliness in the city, was formed last month.

Through the PVFS efforts, an average of 5 000 garbage bags are collected from the streets every month while the task force has issued more than 60 tickets to litterbugs in its first month.

The ongoing initiatives are in line with Victoria Falls City Council’s green city drive, which is resonates with the green destination strategy being pursued for the country’s premier resort.

Coordinator of the task force, Douglas Musiringofa said littering was decreasing in the city, adding that 60 tickets had been issued to litterbugs in six weeks.

“Generally, we are seeing a decrease in the number of illegal dumping areas around the city. This is because of the fines and hopefully, this continues. We are hoping to set up cages which could be helpful in storing waste before the council collects it.

“We are trying our best to run fundraising initiatives to achieve this goal. Our biggest challenge is that we have two waste removal trucks in the city and one is old and constantly breaking down. This results in inefficient waste collection systems,” said Musiringofa.

He pleaded with council to address the refuse collection challenge as scavengers such as baboons, hyenas, and dogs scatter the dirt as they scavenge for food in the strategic points where the litter bags would have been placed.

When the task force performs its raids, police issue spot fines to litterbugs and payment at council and EMA offices is expected within seven working days.

“So, the public health department in the council hands over ticketing books to municipal police who make follow-ups. EMA follows up through the issuing officers while the police have spot fines,” Musiringofa said.