Namibia implements revised solid waste management strategy

WINDHOEK, July 11 — Namibia has implemented its revised National Solid Waste Management Strategy, Environment and Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta said on Thursday.

The revised strategy contains guidelines for waste disposal sites on how to dispose of waste to ensure the environmentally sound management of waste.

According to Shifeta, waste management has become a pressing national issue and possesses a significant threat to human and environmental health.

“Waste disposal is the main problem with the current solid waste management in Namibia. The top priority is to reduce the risks to the environment and public health from current waste disposal sites and illegal dumping in many areas of Namibia,” he said.

The strategy will result in the strengthening of institutional, organizational and legal framework for solid waste management including capacity development. It will also enforce improvement in municipal waste disposal standards.

As it stands, most local authorities in Namibia use illegal dump sites to dispose of waste.
Namibia is preparing to have a country wide clean-up campaign in September. Xinhua