Land pollution in Zimbabwe can be attributed to lack of proper waste management, poor environmental law enforcements and ignorance by the general public when it comes to the environment.
Poor Waste Management
Waste is not handled by the city council. Domestic waste and bins are rarely collected or not at all causing residents to dump waste along street roads and other public spaces.
Diapers and sanitary pads are common along roadways resulting in soil pollution and bad odors.
Health is also a problem as diseases like cholera and typhoid arise.
Improper law enforcement
Policies pertaining waste management and dumping is not enforced by local government. As a result litter and waste gets disposed anywhere without fear of getting caught or fined.
Ignorance by the General Public
Most people are ignorant or lack the know how of proper waste management. They’re ignorant on the implications and consequences of land pollution. Roadways are full of dump, public places and alleys are smelly from urine and faeces.
Lack of Bins
Lack of bins around the CBD is also a problem. This causes people to throw litter around instead of retaining it until they find a bin.
Urbanisation
With increasing people in the main city Harare it has become difficult for local authorities to handle all waste.
Increasing vendors in the CBD is also a cause. Some of the vendors throw away or leave their product rejects like rotten tomatoes, bananas and mangoes in public places.
Solutions
- Fining citizens and companies when caught throwing litter. Countries like Singapore have strict laws pertaining littering and gum chewing.
- Increasing bins in public places
- Regular bin collection by city council
- Educating the general public about environmental management
- Building more public toilets
- Urban decongestion by relocating certain individuals like vendors in designated selling place.
- Introducing a national clean up campaign
Problems in Implementing Solutions
- Lack of funding
- Lack of corporation by the public
- Ignorance by the general public