The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), has called for a shift towards community-based solid waste management initiatives. In an interview CHRA executive director Reuben Akili said the association for over 15 years has spearheading efforts in areas like Highfields and Mabvuku to establish community-led waste collection initiatives and the programs have garnered support, particularly from corporations such as Delta through Petreco which purchase plastics from local communities.
“While these initiatives are crucial, the overwhelming presence of plastic packaging poses significant challenges. Moreover, those collecting waste face economic hardships. Middlemen often intercept transactions, resulting in minimal earnings for the actual waste pickers, which discourages their efforts,” said Akili.
Akili highlighted the need to streamline the process, suggesting that buyers engage directly with waste collectors to ensure fair compensation and direct engagement could enhance the sustainability of community-based waste management efforts. He said the issue of imported plastic raw materials, known as pallets, particularly those from China had hampered recycling efforts.
“These imported pallets are cheaper, both in price and quality, which hampers our recycling efforts. Our locally collected plastics could be used to produce similar materials, but the current market dynamics make this economically challenging,” he said
For over 15 years, Akili said CHRA has been involved in waste management, starting with cleanup campaigns in partnership with companies like La Farge Cement. Akili stressed the importance of decentralizing waste management practices to improve efficiency and environmental outcomes.
“The centralized approach, where waste is collected and dumped at Pomona, is not effective. We advocate for a decentralized system where waste is managed at the community level. This model supports sound waste management practices and empowers local communities,” Akili concluded.
CHRA’s push for policy changes he said were aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices, ensuring that local communities play a central role in managing and benefiting from waste collection and recycling efforts.
