Staff Reporter

Harare residents have praised the Government for rescuing them from the clutches of flies, maggots, and the stench that once plagued the capital.

A Mbare resident, Yemurai Kurayi whose house was next to one of the cleared dump sites, applauded the Government for bailing out the inept local authority.

“I want to applaud the Government for removing the waste here. We were having a hard time living side by side with flies and the bad smell” said Kurayi.

Matapi flats residents shared tales of the challenges they faced, including the dumping of dead pets, making it difficult for children to play freely. Their plea for regular refuse collection underscored the newfound hope that ‘Operation Chenesa’ instilled in the community.

As the initiative unfolded, anticipation reverberated through the streets, uniting communities in a common cause.

Environmental analyst, Marshall Guriro observed a decline in cholera cases, attributing the positive change to the collaborative efforts of both citizens and the government. He added that High-density suburbs like Mbare, Glen View, and Highfield transformed into symbols of resilience.

"Piles of waste have become the trademark for most centers around Harare, with the situation denigrating the appeal and health standards of the once sunshine city," said Guriro

Dr. John Bhasera, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, emphasized that ‘Operation Chenesa’ not only curtailed the cholera outbreak but also left an enduring mark on the community.

“The capital city swelled with pride, and the applause for ‘Operation Chenesa’ echoed in every corner,” said Bhasera.

Meanwhile, over the years, the CCC-led Harare city council has failed to  properly deliver services such as collection of refuse which has resulted in the emergence of illegal dumpsites, burst sewer pipes, serious water challenges, failure to refurbish roads, construction on wetlands and poor public lighting, hence the intervention of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Second Republic with clean-up campaigns, exemplified by the recent ‘Operation Chenesa’ initiative, presidential borehole drilling scheme and arresting of land barons which is crucial for realizing the city's vision for 2030, propelling it toward becoming an upper-middle-income economy.