03 Jun 2018

The director of National Museum and Monuments, Mr Gaogakwe Phorano says waste management is among the greatest challenges at the newly erected monuments at Tropic of Capricorn.

Officiating at the handing over of waste bins by Lira Security on June 1, Mr Phorano said since the monument was located along the major carrier, the A1 road, it attracted thousands of travellers and that waste management was a challenge.

Mr Phorano said the country was faced with a serious challenge of indiscriminate disposal of waste. He called on communities of neighbouring villages to assist in managing waste at the monument.

He said waste was an eyesore along major roads in the country, noting that waste bins at bus stops along the roads were choking with litter.

He further applauded Lira security for initiating a project aimed at conserving the environment.

Mr Phorano said the Department of Meteorological Services office in Mahalapye had been tasked with the responsibility to empty the waste every Monday and Friday. He said most of the waste accumulated during weekends.

The director of Lira security, Ms Laura Bafaletse said the idea of erecting waste bins at the Tropic of Capricorn was prompted by the indiscriminate disposal of waste taking place at the location.

“I believe it was important  to donate waste bins, as the monument does not only attract local people, tourists from other countries also frequent the monument.  We are hoping that our little contribution will make a difference as it will contribute towards a sustainable environment, she said.

Ms Bafaletse appealed to the public and road users to heed the call of waste management.

She also added that it was important to erect a perimetre fence at the monument to improve security. Ends