Project Launch on “Promotion of Best Available Technologies /Best Environmental Practices
Location: Maputsoe, Lesotho
Keywords:
"Increased collection rates"
" Local waste collection stations"
" Recycling"
" Circular economy"
" Household sorting"
" Waste station user sorting"
" Centralised sorting"
" Stakeholder involvement"
" Waste management framework"
" Education and awareness"
" Improved landfilling"
The Project launch was led by a team comprising of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs (Physical Planning, Maseru City Council and Maputsoe Urban Council). The launch of the BAT/BEP Project was held on the 12th November 2020 at Ha Nyenye (Moreneng) in Maputsoe. The event was attended by some members of Parliament, Councillors from Maseru City and Maputsoe, government officials, waste reclaimers and recyclers who displayed their recycled products and the community at large.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Honourable Adv Lekhetho Rakuoane, welcomed everyone to the event and emphasized his concern on illicit dumping of solid waste throughout the country and its poor management thereof. As a way to rectify the pollution caused by improper waste management in the country, he mentioned that the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture together with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs received funding and technical support from the United Nations Development Organization (UNIDO). He went on to raise awareness on the negative health and environmental impacts that could be brought by improper waste management and urged Ha Nyenye community to engage in best environmental practices while managing waste.
The Honourable Minister further stressed on the open burning of waste that releases unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (uPOPs) into the environment thus affecting human health and the environment. He attested that waste management problems in Lesotho can be addressed through development and adoption of Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy. He indicated that the strategies would be in place once funding becomes available. He concluded his remarks by congratulating Ha Nyenye community for the huge uptake of the project and the great work that has been done in introducing door to door collection campaign and then officially launched the project. In response, the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Honourable Tšoinyana Rapapa applauded UNIDO for providing technical support and financial resources and also thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture for the collaboration. He wished everyone success throughout the Project lifecycle.