Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications company, Econet Wireless, does not seem to look back with its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in education, health and environment. Over the years, Econet has built an enviable track record in CSR programmes which has seen it initiating various CSR initiatives in the country, for instance, the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Fund, Capernaum Trust, Christian Community Partnership Trust – CCPT, The Zimbabwe National Health Care Trust and so forth. Econet believes its future depends on the sustainable development of its communities. They remain firm in its belief that a company’s success cannot be measured on financial performance alone. They believe the true measure of a successful company is its ability to positively transform its communities.
Yesterday (Thursday), Econet donated 1000 bins to City of Harare in what the company says is the beginning of their long relationship with the city fathers towards ensuring a litter free city. The waste bins will complement the consignment of 30 refuse collection trucks which the city recently unveiled.
Econet Wireless believes environmental awareness is now more than a just factor of social responsibility, but rather a business imperative. Therefore, the protection of the environment will remain at the core of all decision-making within the business.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Town House, Econet Media Relations and Analysts Executive, Fungai Mandiveyi said his company decided not to leave the Environmental Management Agency and City of Harare struggle against litter in the city.
“One of the most glaring things in the city is litter, we as Econet decided not to leave EMA alone and partner with them to bring something valuable to the public,
“We are also concerned about sustainability, we want to get involved for the long run, we are involved in education, support vulnerable children and orphans through Capernaum Trust and Joshua Nkomo scholarship funds,” said Mandiveyi.
Speaking at the same event, Director General of Environmental Management Agency, Aaron Chigona stated that 1000 bins should be able to improve cleanliness in Harare.
“This will go long way in ensuring that bins are available to most of our urban areas, as we endeavor to create a litter free environment,
“This donation will contribute immensely towards attainment of a clean, safe and healthy environment.”
According to EMA, the donation by Econet is a result of a broad-based private public partnership which covers a wide range of issues.
Director General of Environmental Management Agency, Aaron Chigona added:
“As EMA we advocate for an integrated waste management approach where sustainable waste management practices like waste reduction, re-use and recycling become a norm rather than an exception.”
Acting Town Clerk, Mrs Josephine Ncube applauded Econet for the gesture saying it is coming at a time when they have started receiving 30 refuse trucks, boosting their efforts to end littering in the city.
“Donation of bins came at a time when we have started receiving consignment of 30 refuse collection trucks, we are excited with this donation.”
She called on residents to dispose litter at designated facilities adding that City of Harare is working on collecting litter within the central business district three to four times a day.
“After this initiative we are also going to try to collect litter at least 3-4 times a day.”
She encouraged other cooperates to emulate and follow in the footsteps of Econet and help City of Harare achieve its vision for a World Class City status by 2025.
