The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ), in partnership with environmental stakeholders, has launched a nationwide awareness drive dubbed “no to throwing of litter” to combat the rising scourge of waste pollution on highways and bus ranks.
Speaking to AfroGazette News, PAZ national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said passengers are among the biggest culprits behind roadside pollution, a situation that has become both a legal and environmental crisis.
“Passengers are major contributors to waste pollution on highways and bus ranks; they throw litter everywhere,” Goliati said.
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“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Act is very clear: littering is a criminal offence.
“As the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, we are saying passengers shouldn’t be caught unaware they must understand that disposing of litter improperly is against the law.”
He stressed that the penalties are not just symbolic but carry weight.
“If caught, you can pay a fine of US$30, or you might be brought to court to answer the charges.
“We want passengers to be fully aware of the consequences so they change their behaviour before they are forced to pay the price,” he added.
The campaign, which will target both rural and urban commuters, seeks to foster a culture of responsibility while reminding citizens that their actions directly impact the environment.
Goliati noted that littering contributes to blocked drainage systems, roadside hazards, and an overall decline in public health standards, especially in crowded transport hubs.
“As PAZ, we are not only appealing to passengers but also to transport operators.
“We are encouraging bus owners to install litter bins inside buses so passengers have a place to dispose of waste properly.
“If buses are equipped, there is less temptation for commuters to throw plastics, bottles, and paper out of windows,” he said.
He urged citizens to view waste management as a shared responsibility.
“Clean roads and clean ranks benefit everyone. If we all play our part, we can protect our environment, safeguard public health, and even save councils from the burden of constantly cleaning up after us.”
