By Shamiso Chigonde
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged Midlands province women to reduce the use of diapers in favor of cloth napkins so as to reduce land pollution.
Speaking during the recent national clean-up day in Zvishavane, EMA Officer for Zvishavane District Sally Maguvu said they have created health clubs where women are encouraged to wash diapers before disposing them in bins.
“As EMA we advise women to use the reduce principle where women use cloth napkins, this has not been very effective as many young mothers prefer the disposable nappies so we now have health clubs where women are encouraged to wash diapers before placing (them) in bins, to help reduce weight of the waste,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Rose Mavhima, wife to the Minister of State for Midlands Province Senator Larry Mavhima also urged women to lead the way in making their communities clean, following President Emmerson Mnagangwa’s call for a clean Zimbabwe.
“We are the shining light of our society, let us set an example and lead the way in making our communities clean, and take action, like his Excellency the President said, no one is going to come from outside and clean our areas,” she said.
“A lot of the diseases come from unhealthy disposal of waste so vendors should take note and keep their vending areas clean of waste, mothers should be responsible and gather their diapers and dispose them at designated places
President Mnangagwa designated the first Friday of every month as a national clean-up day in a bid to ensure a clean environment in Zimbabwe.