Environmentalists want national waste plant

By Henry Sekanjako

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have asked the government to establish a national plastic waste management plant in the country for proper disposal and management of plastic waste products.

Speaking during the launch of the book entitled ‘Wealth From Plastic Waste’ by Kenneth Tumusiime, environmentalists noted that banning  the use of plastic materials in the country cannot be a solution to pollution of the environment, saying the only solution is to ensure proper disposal of such materials.

“The only way we can ensure proper management of plastic waste, is by government putting up a national plastic waste management plant which should also be extended to different parts of the country at district level,” said Professor Elly Sabiiti Makerere University.

According to Professor Sabiiti, the lack of a proper mechanism on plastic waste management, poses a health risk to Ugandans as they are exposed to diseases like cancer.

“Plastic is an everyday item and it has to stay. When we all wake up in the morning we go to the bathrooms to brush and it is plastic that we use , we should find a meaningful way of recycling plastic,” said Dr. Daniel Okello the director public health Kampala Capital City  Authority (KCCA).

To avoid the abuse of plastic materials, Okello urged Ugandans to ensure discipline in disposing of plastic products saying the uncontrolled disposal of such materials had led to the degradation of the environment.

Discussing the implementation of plastic standards for the success of plastic waste recycling, Professor Laban Erapu of Bishop Stuart University noted that if properly handled, plastic waste management is one way through which the government can enforce wealth creation among Ugandans.

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(L-R)  Prof. Manuel Muranga, Prof. Laban Erapu, Kenneth Tumusiime, Rev. Can Dr. John Ssenyonyi and Professor Elly Sabiiti launch the book. Photo by Miriam Namutebi

“Plastics are very dangerous materials if not well handled for example if a cow chewed kaveera (polythene bag) it can be a threat to its life, but if there is an organized way of disposing of plastics the country can be assured of wealth,” said Prof Erapu.

Officiating at the launch of the book which highlights the benefits of recycling plastic materials, Rev Canon Dr. John Ssenyonyi, the vice chancellor Uganda Christian University (UCU) said Uganda lacked a clear policy on waste management more so plastic products.

Ssenyonyi noted that if disposed of professionally, plastic products are a potential source of wealth creation.

“There is no discipline when it comes to waste management, our use and disposal of waste, should be done in a responsible manner that allows wealth creation,” said Ssenyonyi.

Tumusiime also the executive director Plawaste Recycling Company Limited said there is need for a waste management plan in the country saying plastic waste is beyond kaveera.

He added that the government needs to come up with a plan on plastic waste management, detailing which kind of waste can be disposed of and recycled.

“Plastic waste can become an income generating source for the public and all levels of society can benefit from plastic waste in one way or the other,” said Tumusiime.

The book ‘Wealth from Plastic’ highlights several types and categories of plastic, demonstrates how pervasive the issue of plastics has become and also shows how the problems caused by mismanagement of plastic can be alleviated.