by Justin Muzondiwa
Bindura Vegetable Stall area is showing a lack of proper management of waste by the local Municipality. Tinashe is a 23-year-old student who lives in Bindura. He is one of the founders and leaders of a youth group called Clean Faith Clean Environment, which aims to improve the sanitation and hygiene of the city. The initiative was a product of the stewardship topic during the radio listening club conducted by ZIMCODD. He and his 129 members) are concerned about the poor service delivery by Bindura Municipality, especially in terms of waste management and collection.
Tinashe said that he and his friends noticed that the streets of Chipadze and Aerodrome (two high density areas in Bindura) were littered with garbage, plastic bags, bottles, and other waste materials. He said that this posed a health and environmental hazard for the residents, as well as a negative image for the city. He said that they decided to take action and start a campaign to clean up the streets and raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal. Clean Faith Clean Environment was launched in June 2022, with the support of some local NGOs, businesses, and media outlets. The group mobilized volunteers from different schools, colleges, churches, and communities to participate in monthly clean-up activities. They also distributed bins, bags, gloves, and masks to the volunteers. They also used social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to spread their message and recruit more members.
Tinashe said that he was motivated by his love for his city and his desire to make a difference. He said that he wanted to inspire other young people to take responsibility for their environment and to demand better services from the council. He also said that he wanted to create a culture of cleanliness and civic pride among the residents. He said that he hoped that his campaign would attract the attention and support of the council and the government. He sought for an exemplary initiative to send a message to the social service mantra that the council has been failing to perform despite collecting rates from his community, Brockdale.
His initiative has been successful and impactful. The group has managed to clean up several streets and neighborhoods in Bindura, as well as some public places such as Bindura vegetable market, and bus terminal. They have also collected and recycled tons of waste materials, such as plastic bottles, cans, and paper. They have also received recognition and appreciation from the residents, who have joined their efforts and donated funds or materials. Tinashe has also been invited to speak at various forums and events about his campaign and his vision.
