The resilient spirit of Zimbabweans turns every challenge into an opportunity, and it deserves to be acknowledged for its unwavering commitment to a cleaner, healthier nation.
This collective dedication is not only safeguarding public health, but also propelling the country toward the sustainable future promised by Vision 2030 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
This means that maintaining a clean environment remains a fundamental aspect of our collective well-being, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s initiative to designate the first Friday of every month as a national clean-up day represents a commendable step toward a healthier, more sustainable Zimbabwe.
The president should be commended for presenting such a brilliant idea, which demonstrates visionary leadership with innovative and creative flair, and underscores the need for all of us to support his vision.
Interestingly, first lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa, has taken a leading role in spearheading the clean-up campaign, demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment to creating a cleaner Zimbabwe.
Through her leadership, we are reminded that a clean environment is a fundamental human right, essential for human dignity and well-being.
For that reason, the First Lady indeed deserves commendation, as her exemplary leadership demonstrates the power of collective action in achieving a common goal, hence the need for citizens to follow her example and work together to create a clean and healthy environment.
We also commend community-driven efforts such as the Geo Pomona programme, which mobilises volunteers to collect and properly dispose of waste across the country, reinforcing the national clean-up drive.
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This effort significantly reduces the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid, which pose a serious threat to public health and sustainable development.
It is important to understand that a dirty environment contaminates food and drinking water, thus creating additional pathways for illness and endangering community health.
Consequently, during the current rainy season, keeping surroundings clean remains especially important; stagnant water and runoff foster disease-carrying vectors, diminishing the visual appeal of towns and villages.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
This definition underscores the intricate link between a clean environment and good health. A clean environment is important for human dignity, and collective action is essential to protect it.
The clean-up initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It supports Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through reduced disease transmission, Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by safeguarding water sources from pollutants and preventing water-related illnesses, and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting safe and resilient settlements.
In addition, the effort contributes to Goal 13 (Climate Action): proper waste management and reduced litter lowers greenhouse-gas emissions from decomposition and helps communities adapt to climate-induced floods and droughts.
The clean-up initiative is not a one-day event, but is a continuous process that requires commitment and dedication from all stakeholders.
It is important that the government, private sector, concerned stakeholders, communities, and civil society collaborate to protect and preserve our environment for future generations, and the adoption of sustainable practices such as proper waste management, conservation of natural resources and promotion of eco-friendly technologies will drive progress.
A clean environment yields plentiful benefits, such as reducing the risk of water-borne diseases, improving air quality and promoting mental well-being, while also enhancing the aesthetic value of surroundings, making communities more attractive and desirable places to live, enhancing sustainable economic development, attracting investment, promoting tourism and supporting local businesses.
As we strive to achieve Vision 2030, prioritising environmental sustainability and public health remains imperative.
This Vision provides a roadmap for sustainable development, and it is our collective responsibility to stay on track. In reality, let us join hands to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Zimbabwe for all.
The clean-up initiative serves as a call to action for every Zimbabwean to take ownership of their environment.
Let us rise to the challenge and work together to build a greener, healthier nation, owing it to ourselves, our children and future generations to protect and preserve our environment.
In conclusion, the clean-up initiative represents a positive step toward a healthier and more sustainable Zimbabwe.
Above all, supporting President Mnangagwa’s vision and embracing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 3, 6, 11 and 13, will enable us to achieve a cleaner, more prosperous nation.
Together, we will make a difference and realise the goal of a cleaner Zimbabwe by 2030.
*Clever Marisa (PhD), social scientist and public Health practitioner. The views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of his affiliated institution or any organisation.
