Residents join forces in Makokoba clean-up campaign

By Blessing Hofisi

As part of ongoing efforts to promote a healthier environment, the youths of Makokoba, one of Bulawayo’s oldest suburbs, recently hosted a clean-up campaign under the theme “Smart Transformative City by 2025.”

The initiative aimed to tackle poor waste management and its link to disease outbreaks such as cholera and typhoid.

Held this month, the campaign brought together dedicated individuals who cleaned various areas, including Makokoba suburb, 9th Avenue, and Siphambaniso Flats, ensuring proper waste disposal.

Ward councilor Thandiwe Moyo, who attended the event, emphasized the need for residents to maintain a clean environment to prevent diseases.

“The role of a clean environment in disease prevention cannot be overlooked. I encourage Makokoba residents to expand this initiative and participate actively in the national cleaning day,” said Councillor Moyo.

She provided essential cleaning equipment such as gloves and masks and urged residents to dedicate at least two hours to clean-up campaigns twice a month.

“I hope that by the end of this year, the suburb will be cleaner and have fewer disease outbreaks,” she added.

Councillor Moyo also announced plans for a larger clean-up campaign, with the date to be confirmed.

Local resident Perseverance Svinurayi stressed the importance of clean surroundings in fighting disease.

“Efforts to curb diseases cannot succeed in dirty and contaminated environments,” he said.

Gift Moyo, a youth leader and resident, expressed satisfaction with the campaign’s success.

“Wow! I have never seen this place so clean. I wish these clean-up campaigns could happen every day,” he said.

A. Lunga, the Director and Vice Chairperson of the Bulawayo United Residents Association, highlighted the collective responsibility of maintaining a clean environment.

“It is everyone’s duty to keep our surroundings clean and ensure that Makokoba has sustainable and well-maintained waste disposal systems,” he said.

Residents noted that the campaign is already showing positive results and emphasized the need for more frequent clean-up efforts.