07 Feb 2021

The public has been encouraged to desist from disposing and burning waste material at their homes because such practice is illegal according to section 44 of the Waste Management Act of Botswana.

According to the act, any person who is guilty of depositing waste on land, which gives rise to the pollution of the environment or harm to human, animal or plant life, shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding P14 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both.

Speaking in an interview, principal environmental health officer at Okavango Sub-district Council, Mr Keletso Gomotsang said there was only one category of refuse that was permissible to be burnt and that was garbage from bush clearing along the roads.

“Though this is the case, such waste cannot be burnt everywhere, a place outside human settlements need to be identified as the smoke can be a health hazard to some,” he said.

Mr Gomotsang further noted that there were different types of waste generated from households such as general waste, builder’s rubble, ash and garden waste among others.

As for who was responsible for refuse collection, he noted that it was the responsibility the council to collect household waste at a fee of P10 per month.

Mr Gomotsang, however, explained that with regard to rubble and garden waste, it was the responsibility of individuals to make sure that such waste was properly disposed at waste management facilities, being dumping sites.

Moreover, the environmental health officer encouraged members of the community to come forth and make monthly payments of P10 at the council revenue for household waste collection, while institutions are required to pay an amount of P200 per month. Ends