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Convention
on industrial clusters successful
Environment
Africa
Extracted
from Cleveland Newsletter, Issue: No. 06
October 2004
Following Environment
Africa’s spearheading of the Fformation of industrial clusters
(whereby industries
work together to try and work around solving environmental problems),
the first Cluster Convention was held in Harare in August.
The objectives
were to:
- Provide
a platform for interclustersharing of experiences.
- Promote
general networking among industries present.
- Encourage
industries in areas where there are operational clusters to
join their local cluster.
- Encourage
formation of new clusters.
The Ardbennie
Cluster hosted the convention at Cairns Foods premises. Participants
from existing clusters together with potential cluster members and
Harare City Council were present. Each of the clusters gave a presentation
in which they talked about their areas of focus, their current activities
and challenges.
Ardbennie cluster's
vision is to see every The cluster, led by Cairns Foods, focuses
on conservation of natural member achieving sustainable development
through self-regulation and integration of environmental management
into business decisions. It also seeks to provide a clean, healthy
environment ensuring that minimal waste is produced and that the
best practicable means are employed to address effluent quality.
The cluster,
led by Cairns Foods, focuses on conservation of natural resources
(particularly water), reduction of pollution (particularly into
natural water systems), reduction of waste generated from industrial
operations and achievement of compliance with legislation through
self-regulation.
The Workington/Southerton
Cluster, chaired by CAFCA, focuses on water conservation, waste
and pollution reduction.
Willowvale Cluster
chaired by Schweppes, focuses on storm water drainmaintenance, water
conservation, waste management (both solid and liquid) and tackling
persistent power cuts.
Successes reported
by the clusters included reduction in water use; recycling of water;
quick response to leaks; use of borehole water for cleaning processes,
improved waste management, awareness raising, the forging of solid
working partnerships in addressing water conservation, production
of cluster newsletters, and celebration of some global and local
environmental days including World Water Day (22/3) and World Environment
Day (5/6).
Common challenges
facing the clusters included lack of appreciation of the importance
of environmental issues by some members, the need to seriously look
into waste recycling issues and bringing new members in. Harare
City Council (HCC) in its presentation acknowledged that it could
not tackle its numerous problems alone and needed partners to help
find solutions.
Accordingly
the local authority has developed strong partnerships with the clusters
and Eafrica with respect to implementation of the cluster concept.
HCC has even seconded a senior officer to work with and support
clusters whenever they need HCC services.
The Convention
was an excellent forum for sharing experiences, networking and encouraging
formation of new clusters. It is anticipated that new clusters will
be formed in the Msasa, City Centre, Graniteside and Aspindale areas.
The Msasa cluster
is particularly good news to assist with the protection and clean
up of the Cleveland Catchment Area.
Visit the Environment
Africa fact sheet
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