Zimbabwe`s Deputy Minister of Environment Aaron Chigona read out a speech on behalf of Minister Saviour Kasukuwere on Friday October 29 at the Trashion Show held it Harare International School.
SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE
AND WATER, HONOURABLE
SAVIOUR KASUKUWERE (MP)
Heads of Diplomatic Missions and representatives here present, Proudly Zimbabwean Foundation Chairman Doctor Joseph Kanyekanye, Heads of Corporates and Civil Society, Here Present Invited Guests Ladies and Gentlemen
Zimbabwe is generating 2 million tonnes of waste every year. This waste comprises of both domestic and industrial waste.
Currently most our waste in Zimbabwe is ending up in dump sites with the remainder becoming a health hazard in our communities. Solid waste management behaviours and systems both at individual and institutional level across the country have not been good enough to meet our rising population.
Indeed, it has become a possibility that one day we may fail to get to our places work due to mountains of litter on our roads. Yet this must not be so. Before we look around and find others to blame for this menace, begin with yourself. Are your litter disposal habits friendly to our environment? Are you separating your litter at home? Are you teaching your children the right habits?
These questions we must ask ourselves and give true answers. When we play our part as individuals, it will be easy for the various institutions in the solid waste management chain to do their part as well. We have been discussing separation of waste at domestic level for a while now, let us begin doing this in our homes.
Separated waste will make it easier for industries recycling waste and also push initiatives such as the one we are gathered for here today. Litter management has become big industry in other countries and it can be so here too. Today we may see clothes made from re-used waste material but tomorrow they can start a plant re-cycling waste into fabric that can be used to make clothes and blankets. The only requirement to success is dreaming. But let us dream in action. Our country needs us today not tomorrow.
It is therefore heartening to see our fashion designers coming together and showing us the path of the future. Litter is a resource that can act as an input elsewhere and help create employment. I am grateful to be part of this change. Let us see the outfits they have made for us. Tatenda, Siyabonga, Thank You.
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