Government Enhances Solid Waste Management with New Refuse Compactors

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Zimbabwe has stepped up its efforts to improve solid waste management in local authority areas by commissioning and handing over 20 refuse compactors to the newly established Local Authorities Technical Support Unit (LATSU) under the National Disaster Management Centre. The move is part of a larger initiative to address the challenges of solid waste management in local authorities, which has led to a State of Disaster declaration in the Harare Metropolitan Province. The new equipment is part of a total of 85 refuse collection vehicles, including tipper trucks, procured following approval by President Mnangagwa earlier this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government has commissioned and handed over 20 refuse compactors to LATSU to improve solid waste management in local authority areas.
  • The equipment is part of a larger consignment of 85 refuse collection vehicles, including tipper trucks, procured following approval by President Mnangagwa earlier this year.
  • The initiative was approved to address the solid waste management challenges in local authorities, which led to the declaration of a State of Disaster in the Harare Metropolitan Province.
  • The government-led clean-up operations under Operation Chenesa Harare yielded positive results, but waste management remains a challenge due to lack of equipment and personnel.
  • Most local authorities have failed to provide refuse removal services due to incapacitation, prompting the government to procure refuse collection equipment to be deployed on a needs basis with nominal fees charged.
  • The National Clean-Up Campaign, launched by President Mnangagwa in 2018, has fostered a culture of cleanliness and environmental awareness.
  • A public-private partnership with Geo Pomona (Pvt) Ltd in Harare is expected to convert waste to energy at a new facility.
  • LATSU will manage and maintain the new fleet, identify priority areas, deploy equipment, and recover costs.
  • Local authorities are required to submit requests for assistance, with a focus on Greater Harare, border towns, and areas in need of improvement.
  • The government has urged councils to grade roads ahead of the rainy season to ensure accessibility and to leave no one and no place behind.

Statistics:

  • 20 refuse compactors have been handed over to LATSU.
  • 85 refuse collection vehicles, including tipper trucks, have been procured.
  • The National Clean-Up Campaign was launched by President Mnangagwa in 2018.
  • The State of Disaster in the Harare Metropolitan Province was declared in response to the waste crisis.
  • The government has approved the procurement of refuse collection equipment to be deployed on a needs basis.

Sources:

  • Government of Zimbabwe
  • Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe
  • President Mnangagwa
  • National Disaster Management Centre
  • Local Authorities Technical Support Unit (LATSU)
  • Geo Pomona (Pvt) Ltd