Local authorities should ensure solid waste disposal

WINDHOEK, 06 JUN – Environmental Commissioner, Teofilus Nghitila has urged local authorities to make solid waste management infrastructure available for disposal in urban and rural areas.
Nghitila during the commemoration of World Environment Day in Windhoek on Tuesday said some of the excuses people give is that there are no facilities available for disposal.
He said it is therefore important for local authorities not to give people such grounds of reasoning by providing solid waste infrastructure at all the necessary sites.
He emphasised that waste disposal infrastructure should be made available among others in shopping malls, public transport, bus stops, playgrounds and resting places in order for Namibia to become the leading country in Africa in terms of standards of solid waste management.
At the same occasion in a speech read on his behalf, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta said this year’s theme ‘Beating plastic pollution’ befits the threats plastic poses to human and environment health.
Shifeta said all types of litter negatively affect the pristine nature of Namibia’s environment, the quality of life of its population and create a bad impression among visiting tourists.
The minister said plastic bags warrant particular attention and regulatory measures to curb their use because of their prevalence and threats to wildlife, humans and aquatic biota.
“Over 15 African countries have already introduced measures to either ban or tax the use of plastic carrier bags and our intention is to learn from these lessons and introduce measures to reduce the use of plastic bags that will work in the Namibian contexts.
Shifeta said the intended measures will be an important first step in efforts to beat plastic pollution.
World Environment Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 and it is observed annually on 05 June as a vehicle for encouraging world-wide awareness and action on protection of the environment.

NAMPA