18 Feb 2021

Government has erected waste oil receptacles for three district councils at a cost of P771 125, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng has revealed.

 The minister, who was speaking during an occasion to launch the receptacles for South East and Southern district councils at the former’s landfill yesterday, said the project included a receptacle built at Gamodubu Landfill.

 She explained that the project was funded through the National Environmental Fund set up to finance projects that provided for sustainable development and use of natural resources and related activities. 

  Ms Kereng said the receptacles would ensure proper disposal of used oil thereby contributing to human health and pure environment.

They would ensure that there was no spillage of oil underground thus polluting water resources, she said.

Built in strategic locations,  Ms Kereng said the receptacles would be used for collection and storage of the hazardous used oil prior to its transportation to recycling refineries outside Botswana.

The projects were a clear testimony of government expenditure towards environment protection through partnership with non-governmental entities.

“Therefore, the role players, particularly the districts councils, should ensure that the facilities are well maintained to serve the community and safeguard the environment in line with sustainable development goals, NDP 11 and Vision 2036,” said the minister.

For her part, Tshole Trust secretary Ms Desma Bassom said more used oil receptacles were needed around the country.

She said that was necessitated by the ever increasing volumes of used oil, particularly from the motor industry.

“I want to urge the public to use this facility, let us ensure that oil does not touch the ground,” Ms Bassom said.

South East District Council chairperson, Mr Oshima Peloewetse said it was everyone’s responsibility to guard the environment against used oil.

 Further, he expressed concern  that used oil was refined outside the country instead of locally for employment creation purposes. 

Kgosi Nobi Moilwa of Mogobane said communities living in the vicinity of the  landfill were worried about the stench and fires emanating from the facility. ends