Ambience Reporter
SEXWORKERS in Epworth joined hands with the Epworth Local Board, Epworth Polyclinic, private businesses and other community members in today’s clean-up campaign at Overspill, Glenwood, Munyuki and Domboramwari shopping centres.
The exercise formed part of the national clean-up campaign launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018, which compels citizens to dedicate the first Friday of every month to cleaning their surroundings between 8am and 10am.
Armed with brooms, gloves and shovels, volunteers swept pavements, cleared storm drains, collected litter and sorted recyclable waste.
Market stalls and busy alleys at Munyuki and Domboramwari were also cleaned and repainted.
Epworth Local Board Secretary, Dr Wilton Mhanda, said the participation of sex workers and other groups demonstrated growing unity around community health.
“We are happy to say our community is transitioning for the better,” he said.
“This morning’s exercise is not just about aesthetics — it is a matter of environmental health and dignity. When our streets are clean, mosquitoes, vermin and disease-causing agents are reduced and people feel safer walking through their communities.”
Springs of Life Zimbabwe, a sex worker-led organisation, mobilised its members to take part.
Advocacy officer Mitchell Zengeya said their involvement was evidence that sex workers are active citizens.
“Our work in health and community empowerment aligns directly with cleaner, safer environments,” she said.
“By joining the President’s clean-up mandate, sex workers are showing they too care about their communities and want to be part of sustainable change.”
At Domboramwari Shops, cellphone technician Josiah Tambudzai said a clean environment boosts business confidence.
“We depend on foot traffic and when the place is dirty, people stay away,” he said.
“Today’s effort means customers walk in feeling welcome, and vendors too feel respected. This must be done every month.”
Meanwhile, at Munyuki Shops, carpenter Terrence Mhere called on residents to make clean-ups routine rather than a once-off event.
“This is about our neighbourhood,” he said.
“If we all took part every month, the place would stay clean and we would not have to wait for government or outsiders to intervene.”
Epworth Polyclinic staff also joined the exercise, stressing the link between cleanliness and public health.
Organisers said the collaborative effort was a step toward building stronger, healthier communities while reinforcing the constitutional right to an environment “that is not harmful to health and well-being.”
