‘Uganda Is Dumping Ground’
Jan 22, 2003
UGANDA has become a dumping ground for hazardous materials, some of which emit radiation dangerous to human life, the state minister for environment has said.<br>
By Gerald Tenywa
UGANDA has become a dumping ground for hazardous materials, some of which emit radiation dangerous to human life, the state minister for environment has said.
Kezimbira Miyingo (right) said the vast volumes of old equipment containing heavy metal components had increased at alarming levels.
Miyingo said the dumping includes computers, mobile phones and refrigerators.
He has directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to carry out a study on electronic waste dumping to check the inflow of the dangerous materials. He said recommendations from the study would guide government action.
According to a press statement, Miyingo’s directive follows a meeting held during the recent Conference of Parties on the Basel Convention in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Basel Convention is an international agreement that controls the movement of hazardous wastes. “It was pointed out that these equipment contain heavy metal components. Some emit radiation which is dangerous to human life,’’ he said.
Miyingo represented all the other ministers of environment from Africa at a ministerial discussion that also involved major mobile phone manufacturers. Ends
UGANDA has become a dumping ground for hazardous materials, some of which emit radiation dangerous to human life, the state minister for environment has said.
Kezimbira Miyingo (right) said the vast volumes of old equipment containing heavy metal components had increased at alarming levels.
Miyingo said the dumping includes computers, mobile phones and refrigerators.
He has directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to carry out a study on electronic waste dumping to check the inflow of the dangerous materials. He said recommendations from the study would guide government action.
According to a press statement, Miyingo’s directive follows a meeting held during the recent Conference of Parties on the Basel Convention in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Basel Convention is an international agreement that controls the movement of hazardous wastes. “It was pointed out that these equipment contain heavy metal components. Some emit radiation which is dangerous to human life,’’ he said.
Miyingo represented all the other ministers of environment from Africa at a ministerial discussion that also involved major mobile phone manufacturers. Ends