Trash Troubles: Blantyre Seeks Solutions for Waste Crisis
Blantyre City Council faces challenges collecting waste with inadequate vehicles and lack of equipment to manage dump sites, said Senior Environmental Health Officer Chipo Majoni.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - A network of waste management stakeholders convened Tuesday to address Blantyre's escalating trash troubles and health hazards from improper disposal, writes Bridget Banda.
Representatives from companies producing waste, waste collectors and Blantyre City Council discussed strategies to improve waste management at the conference held in Blantyre.
"We urge corporate partners to invest in sustainable waste projects to leave no trash behind," said Councilor Philip Kameta, representing Blantyre Mayor Councilor Wild Ndipo, during opening remarks.
Professor Elizabeth Tilli, Environmental Researcher for Waste Advisers, emphasized prevention measures in her presentation, particularly avoiding plastic waste that persists in the environment, polluting air, water and soil.
"Separating trash facilitates recycling and reuse," Tilli said.
She recommended reducing, reusing, repurposing and recycling waste whenever possible.
Blantyre City Council faces challenges collecting waste with inadequate vehicles and lack of equipment to manage dump sites, said Senior Environmental Health Officer Chipo Majoni.
Vandalism of solid waste infrastructure exacerbates difficulties.
Majoni said the council plans construction of a waste recycling center in Chigumula, engaging private waste management companies and enforcing local laws mandating proper trash disposal.
A forthcoming manure business will repurpose waste.
"We must all do our part to keep Blantyre clean," Majoni said.