Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

On Saturday 17^th April 2010, Chelmsford Borough Council and local groups joined forces to help clean up River Chelmer and its surroundings. This event marked the beginning of the two-part annual litter picking programme organised by the council.

ROHR members from Chelmsford Branch, Thurrock and Basildon Branch took part in this voluntary spring cleaning programme. The excersice entailed picking up litter that has been trapped in bushes or drifted to the edge of the river bank ensuring that nature reserve continues to be welcoming to both visitors and wildlife. On the other hand scuba divers worked relentlessly removing objects buried under the river such as shopping trolleys.

The Mayor of Chelmsford Councillor Tony Sach and Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelmsford Stephen Robinson attended the event.

Shingirai Chawasarira, a ROHR volunteer, said “once an area is cleaned up it makes people think twice before they drop litter again. As a result it stays clean and tidy for longer.” Bothwell Nyemba simply feels “happy with positive contribution made to the society” while Shepherd Mabhena sums up the whole experience as follows; “Participation in the spring cleaning of River Chelmer was our way as members of ROHR to thank the British public and the communities we are living in for their generosity in providing us with a sanctuary and a platform to fight for our rights as Zimbabweans”. Tendai Gwanzura added that cleaning up the environment serve the local communities we have become part of. Such activities give us the chance to fully integrate ourselves within the local communities whilst providing a needed resource thereby cultivating meaningful opportunities for civic engagement. Marthar Magwaza also said that, just like last year, these events give us a chance to meet new people and to learn new things about the community of Chelmsford.”

Volunteers at the event were: Rob Mafigo, Tendai Gwanzura, Marthar A Magwaza, Bothwell Nyemba, Joao E M Matandirani, Shingirai K Chawasarira and Shepherd Mabhena.

A follow-up to this event will be held in October 2010.