Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
TOURISM and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has applauded Geo Pomona Waste Management for its contribution towards improving waste management in Harare, urging other cities to explore similar partnerships to keep their urban spaces clean.
Speaking on Wednesday (September 2) during the launch of Tourism Month and the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, Minister Rwodzi said effective waste management was critical to maintaining Zimbabwe’s image as a clean and attractive tourist destination.
Her remarks came in response to questions on the state of preparedness in Masvingo, which is set to host this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo from September 9 to 12.
“I agree litter can really be a challenge but I’m happy to say that we are grateful with the work that Masvingo City is doing to ensure that Masvingo is clean,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She said local authorities could benefit from partnerships with companies such as Geo Pomona, particularly in addressing challenges around the collection and disposal of waste.
“In terms of litter in general, the cities can also help us by getting into partnerships with companies like Geo Pomona such that when they are approached (by a company that has everything needed in waste management), they should consider such partnerships,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi noted that waste often remained uncollected not necessarily because residents were unwilling to dispose of it properly, but because there were inadequate systems and facilities to take the collected waste away.
“Because much of the litter we see everywhere is litter being gathered by people, but they may not have anywhere to take it so the litter remains uncollected.”
She commended Geo Pomona for the progress being made in Harare, expressing hope that other cities would adopt similar approaches.
“So we thank Geo Pomona that our Harare is improving and we expect all the other cities to be the same,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Turning to Masvingo, the minister said the city had so far demonstrated commitment to maintaining cleanliness ahead of the major tourism showcase, but stressed that continuity would be essential beyond the Expo.
“But we are very happy with the work that the City of Masvingo is doing thus far, continuity will be key so that our Gymkhana will remain a Tourism Park that is favoured by its own people so that even those who will visit will also admire it,” she said.
The minister said cleanliness should not only be maintained around the Gymkhana, the main venue for the tourism expo, but across the city.
“So that vicinity must be maintained and we also want the whole of Masvingo to continue maintaining, continuity is key,” she said.
The call comes as Masvingo prepares to host thousands of tourism stakeholders, buyers and exhibitors for the 19th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, placing the city under the spotlight as Zimbabwe showcases its tourism products to the international market.
Beyond the expo, the programme also includes a September Sports Tourism Carnival and a Street Carnival, broadening the event’s footprint across Masvingo.
With cleanliness forming an important part of the visitor experience, authorities face the task of ensuring that the city maintains the standards achieved during the preparations, well beyond the tourism showcase.
