14 Sep 2020

Maun Waste Warriors, in collaboration with Great Plains Conservation and Sankoyo Bush Bucks Football Club, over the weekend embarked on a general clean-up campaign, to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of Maun.

The campaign targeted hot spots around new mall shopping complex, as some had reportedly been turned into illegal dumping sites.  The activity was also to kickstart the commemoration of the World Cleanup Day billed for September 19.

In an interview with BOPA, Maun Waste Warriors official, Ms Kate Nelson stated that environmental protection could only be realised through stakeholder involvement and commitment.

Ms Nelson said it was imperative that all stakeholders in the North West District, which is a tourist attraction destination, be responsible for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

She underscored the need to protect and maintain the beauty of the prestigious Okavango Delta, which has been listed as a World Heritage site.  

Ms Nelson also revealed that since Maun was the gate way to the delta, it was critical to ensure the environment remained clean and safe all the time, hence their organisation came up with an initiative aimed to sensitise the general public about the importance of addressing the litter situation in their respective wards and the entire village.

The organisation, she said made efforts through public address system and organising clean up campaigns on weekends.

“Responsibility begins with us as individuals, let us all be responsible for safe keeping and disposal of the waste we generate,” she added.

Ms Nelson also appreciated efforts by the council, noting that it was doing well in terms of cleanliness and upkeep.

She said they encouraged recycling, noting that some people had already founded recycling projects, citing Great Plains Conservation Company, which recycles glass bottles into building bricks and generates income for corporate social responsibility initiatives.

She appealed to those interested in venturing into recycling projects to inform Maun Waste Warriors of the type of material they wanted them to collect for them.

Ms Nelson wished Batswana could emulate what Rwanda in promoting a clean environment.

Rwanda is said to be the cleanest country in Africa and it has reportedly banned plastic packaging materials, opting for bags made from biodegradable sources including paper. ENDS