
Residents creating healthy communities to achieve safe city status
In the heart of Mkoba 3, a group of 12 men and women armed with gloves, masks, and cleaning tools turned their commitment into action. With a shared purpose, they worked tirelessly to clean the streets as part of the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association’s (GRRA) Safe Cities campaign.
This initiative, focused on creating healthy communities, was not only about waste removal but also about fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship and community pride.
The GRRA Ward 11 structure has been at the forefront, dedicating time and effort to clear rubbish, raise awareness, and set a foundation for environmental transformation.
Their actions are improving the physical surroundings and strengthening social bonds, inspiring collective pride among residents.
Moses Chikwadzi, a dedicated volunteer, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “Every piece of trash on the ground in our community should be removed, recycled, or properly disposed of in a landfill. Clean-ups should become a regular habit if we are to create safe, healthy cities.”
Mr. Chikwadzi has also taken his role further by leveraging skills gained from GRRA workshops to educate residents. He actively combats misinformation and promotes cleanliness through a community WhatsApp group, sharing daily tips and updates.
“I use my profile to inspire others to improve the general cleanliness of our community,” he says.
Beyond cleaning campaigns, Mr. Chikwadzi has forged vital connections with councillors and council management officials.
“Through GRRA’s workshops and advocacy meetings, I’ve built a network that supports these initiatives. We’ve been educated to take a leading role in improving service delivery,” he adds.
These efforts are already inspiring others across Gweru. For instance, Hutano Hupenyu, another local cleaning group, mobilized more than 50 volunteers to tackle waste in Ascot, further amplifying the impact of the Safe Cities campaign.
These initiatives come at a crucial time when access to healthcare remains a challenge due to the high cost of medication and a struggling health system. By addressing environmental issues, GRRA and community members are mitigating risks to public health while promoting a culture of responsibility and collaboration.
The work being done by residents like those in Mkoba and Ascot exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions. Together, they are taking significant steps toward achieving the vision of cleaner, healthier, and safer cities for everyone.