Local authorities are calling for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations across Zimbabwe to address the escalating issues of littering, public urination, and improper waste management.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume recently emphasized the need for nationwide enforcement of by-laws to drive behavioral change among citizens, who have increasingly disregarded public cleanliness standards.
Mafume pointed out that in many cities around the world, public urination and open defecation are strictly prohibited, contrasting this with the current situation in Zimbabwe’s urban centers, where such practices have become alarmingly common.
Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe waste management crisis, generating approximately 1.65 million tonnes of waste annually. Urban areas are the main contributors to this growing issue, which includes a significant portion of non-biodegradable plastic waste. Plastic waste, constituting about 12% of the total waste generated, poses a major environmental threat.
Recycling efforts remain limited, with the national recycling rate hovering around 10%. However, ongoing community initiatives are helping to improve this figure, with over 200 community-based recycling organizations actively working to reduce litter and promote sustainable practices. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has also intensified its efforts, launching educational campaigns and enforcing stricter anti-littering laws to mitigate the problem.
