By Nneka Nwogwugwu
As Zimbabweans embarked on yet another National Environment Cleaning Day last Friday, more private companies were visible on the ground supporting the initiative mainly in Harare.
When the programme started in December 2018, it appeared as if it was meant for parastatals and State Owned Enterprises as fewer private companies participated, All Africa reports.
But realising the impact of clogged drainage systems during the rainy season, and the general state of streets due to the inefficiency of urban councils, private companies are not just cleaning surroundings, but also large parts of cities to help councils.
Last week, Trek Zimbabwe, Meikles Hotel, TM Pick n Pay, Spar Zimbabwe and many others, could be seen cleaning the environment.
Trek Zimbabwe public relations manager Mrs Sharon Mtawarira told The Herald that the national clean-up campaign was noble as it helps keep cities clean.
“As Trek we decided to join in the clean-up campaign initiated by the Government to help clean the cities we are operating in,” she said.
“We cleaned from our service station here at Corner Leopold Takawira/ Samora Machel Avenue and went along Leopold Takawira Street to the north and turned onto Herbert Chitepo facing east, then Sam Nujoma Street facing south and back to the service station along Park Lane.”
Harare has some roads that are difficult to pass when driving, let alone on foot during the rainy season as they easily get flooded due to bad drainage.
While it is not in dispute that Harare is probably the worst run urban council in Zimbabwe, citizens need to embrace a culture of dropping off solid waste in bins to keep cities clean and avoid blocking drainages.