A quiet but powerful success story is emerging from Hwange, Matabeleland North where consistent waste management practices and strong stakeholder collaboration have turned the mining town into a national benchmark for cleanliness.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works says the town’s high environmental standards could soon position it as a learning hub for local authorities across Zimbabwe.
The chief director for local authorities, Khonzani Ncube, commended Hwange for what she described as “remarkable cleanliness” rarely seen in many urban centres.
Her remarks came at a time when many towns and cities are battling mounting waste management challenges, placing Hwange in sharp contrast and elevating it as a possible model for replication.
Ncube said the ministry would push for Hwange to host a national gathering of local authorities, where councils can draw lessons from its environmental management systems.
“We will certainly advocate for the hosting of a local authorities’ gathering here so that other local authorities can witness and emulate the excellent work you are doing,” she said.
The achievements have largely been driven by the Hwange Local Board (HLB), which has over the years rolled out practical and sustained interventions to curb littering and illegal dumping.
These include strict adherence to refuse collection schedules, provision of door-to-door waste collection services and enforcing the availability of refuse receptacles at business premises.
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The local authority has also employed litter pickers to respond to rising waste levels.
Hwange’s success is also anchored on community participation and national policy alignment.
The ninistry noted that the town’s cleanliness is not the work of the local authority alone, but a result of coordinated efforts among key stakeholders.
Major industrial players, including Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) and the Zimbabwe Power Company, have played a critical role in maintaining clean concession areas while contributing to broader urban cleanliness.
HCCL has bolstered waste management by procuring two refuse compactors, strengthening refuse collection capacity in the area.
