By Fanuel Chinowaita
*Mutare In the bustling streets of Mutare, a dedicated group of individuals is making a significant impact on the environment by collecting plastic bottles, cans, plastics, and cardboard for recycling.
These waste pickers, often overlooked, are calling for government support to enhance their efforts.
“I wake up every morning knowing that what I do helps keep our city clean, But without proper tools and support, it’s hard to do more. We need help to collect and process more materials”, said Tendai Moyo, a local waste picker.
The work of waste pickers is vital for reducing pollution and conserving resources. By collecting recyclables, they prevent waste from ending up in landfills and contribute to a more sustainable community. “Every bottle I collect is one less that ends up in the river,” Moyo added.
Despite their crucial role, many waste pickers work under challenging conditions, often lacking the equipment needed to maximize their efforts. Chipo Murara, another waste picker, emphasized the need for financial assistance: “If we had access to loans, we could buy machines to compress the materials we collect, making our work much more effective.”
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has been tasked with overseeing environmental protection in Zimbabwe, and the waste pickers are urging the agency to support their initiatives.
“EMA should recognize the role we play in keeping the environment clean, Our work aligns with their goals, and we need their backing”, Nyasha said.
In South Africa, similar initiatives have proven successful, with the government providing loans to waste pickers for equipment like balers. This has significantly increased their output and improved their livelihoods.
“I’ve seen how support can change lives, We want the same opportunity here in Zimbabwe”, Nyasha stated.
The waste pickers are now urging both the government and the EMA to recognize their contributions and provide the necessary support.
“We love our work and want to do more for our community, With some help, we can make a bigger difference”, Moyo asserted.
As Mutare grapples with waste management issues, the voices of these waste pickers highlight a path forward. By investing in this community, the government and EMA can foster a cleaner environment while empowering those who dedicate their lives to recycling. The time for action is now.
