The rainy season is almost upon us. It is, therefore, imperative for all stakeholders to up their efforts in waste management. If waste is not managed properly during the rainy season, it may result in devastating effects which include water pollution which subsequently leads to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery.
Furthermore, mismanagement of municipal waste can result in the blockage of storm drains which, in turn, cause flash floods particularly in urban areas.
Why more caution during the rainy season?
During this time of the year, the market will be flooded with various types of foodstuffs such as mazhanje, cooked or roasted green mealies and mangoes. These foodstuffs have a great potential of soiling the environment if not handled with care by the users. Therefore, extra effort needs to be taken to ensure that the environment remains clean, despite the changes in the market.
Besides this, the rainy season coincides with the festive season, during which extra waste is generated as a result of the procurements that are related to this period.
Generally, people spend more during this season and this results in increased waste generation. It then requires individuals to be responsible with the waste they generate, shun throwing litter on the ground and out of vehicles but rather place it in the bin.
Impact of poor solid waste management
Poor solid waste management results in water pollution which subsequently causes diarrheal diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. It has now become a trend that in the capital, Harare, there is a typhoid outbreak every rainy season. Recently there have been reports of a typhoid outbreak in Mbare which has been attributed to poor waste management, among other causes.
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Moreover, poor waste management blocks storm drains. Storm drains are designed to channel excess rain and ground water from impervious surfaces such as paved streets, car parks, parking lots, footpaths, sidewalks, and roofs. If waste is not properly managed, it will be washed away into these drains and block them such that they will not fully perform their functions. As a result, when rain falls, there will be flash floods due to poor drainage.
What should communities do?
l Place all litter in a bin;
l Do not throw litter out of moving vehicles, but rather have a trash bag into which you place all your waste awaiting safe disposal in a bin;
l NB: For public transport operators, this is a statutory requirement in terms of Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007 which governs the disposal of effluent and solid waste;
l Avoid dumping waste at street corners, open spaces and sanitary lanes;
l Separate waste at source. Compost the biodegradable waste and use the product in your vegetable gardens, flower beds or for sale. Link with recyclers on the recycling directory on our website for collection of recyclables such as plastic, paper, metals and bottles. The residue is the one which should be collected by local authorities for disposal at the landfills.
l Participate in anti-litter activities such as clean up campaigns, in your areas.
Play your part to maintain a clean, safe and healthy environment during this coming rainy season.
