— Aims to Recycle 100,000 Tonnes of Plastic Waste, Create 5,000 Indirect Jobs
Clara Omuluzua Madubike | I-Witness News
In a bold move to uphold and maintain Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo quest for a clean, green, plastic-free and sustainable Environment, The State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA) has embarked on the second edition of the All Anambra Communities plastic waste recovery challenge which is targeted to recover one hundred thousand metric tonnes of plastic waste for recycling and upcycling in the Anambra Environment
Mr Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim who represented the Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo at the event on Thursday 27th of June, 2024 at the State secretariat for the flag-off exercise called on all communities to partner with the state government in the fight against indiscriminate disposal of both degradable and non-degradable wastes.
He also stated that Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo congratulates the Ministry of Environment on the successful completion of the first phase of the challenge while emphasizing on the need for collaborative efforts as it imbibes the culture of waste recovery and recycling among Ndi Anambra.
In his Welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu called on all Anambra citizens to take responsibility for the environment, noting that plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
According to Odimegwu, the flag off ceremony of the All Anambra Communities Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0 is one united by a shared commitment to the preservation and protection of our environment. He noted that the initiative will create five thousand indirect jobs for the three-month period.
Going down memory lane he stated that the ministry embarked on the ambitious journey last year, in 2023 with the first edition of the Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge. He narrated that it was a groundbreaking initiative that mobilized communities, fostered environmental awareness, and achieved remarkable success in tackling plastic pollution across the state
Moving further, he expressed that the target was to recover 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste, appreciated the overwhelming participation and dedication of our communities, ” we will exceed that goal, recovering over 10,000 tonnes this time around. This significant impact filled us with hope and determination.”
Continuing he opined thusly, ” we launch the second edition of this challenge today, we do so with renewed energy and an even greater resolve to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Anambra for ourselves and future generations. This year’s challenge, Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0 builds on the solid foundation we laid last year. It is a testament to our collective will to make a lasting difference.
” Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. It threatens our ecosystems, wildlife, and even our health. However, we have seen firsthand the power of community action. We have seen that when individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations unite, we can effectively combat plastic waste. The Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0 is more than just a campaign; it is a movement. It is a call to action for every Anambra citizen to take responsibility for our environment. It is a challenge to each of us to reduce, reuse, and recycle. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the importance of sustainable practices and the impact of plastic pollution.”
He declared that the state has set an ambitious target to recover 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste this year, stating that he believe that with your continued support and dedication, we can achieve and even surpass this goal. The challenge will once again engage our communities in a spirited competition to see the communities that can collect the most plastic waste. It will involve awareness programs, cleanup drives, and innovative solutions to plastic waste management.
Engr Odimegwu charged all the 179 Communities in the state to key into the programme, noting that the Ministry in collaboration with other partners will recognize and reward the efforts of those Communities who go above and beyond in their commitment to a cleaner Anambra.
The high point of the event was a practical demonstration of waste recovery and separation by Mr Deputy Governor, presentations by different schools, and goodwill messages from the Head of Service, ASWAMA MD, and other agencies.
Others present at the event include, representatives of Anambra State Plastic Waste Associations led by the convener, Pst Ben Agape, Traditional Rulers, the Transition Committee Chairmen of Idemili North and Aguata Local Government Areas, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, Dr Chibueze Oforbuike, ASWAMA boss, Mike Ozemena, M.D ANSEWCCA Prof Phil Eze, Asatu youth Chairman, Hon Ken Okoli, Notable NGO’s , Friends of the Environment, Perm. sec. Environment Lands, Justice, Transport, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, Engr. Dr Mike Obiekwe , Students from all levels of education, Academia among others.
