02 Sep 2021

Parliament has adopted the Integrated Waste Management Policy which is geared towards creating a platform for integrated sustainable waste management through adequate planning and resourcing.

Once fully implemented, the waste management policy will stipulate a strategic approach to sustainable management of waste, covering generation, segregation, sorting, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste in a manner that maximises resource-use efficiency.

Members of Parliament adopted it on the basis that it would be focused on implementing laws and regulatory measures on the reduction of generated waste as well as promoting a wide range of recycling activities which could be used for economic sustenance.

Earlier when presenting the policy to legislators on Wednesday, minister of Environment, National Resources, Wildlife and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng explained that the policy would promote sustainable waste management measures and further safeguard public health through environmental protection.

Ms Kereng said the policy also served to transform current waste management practices by integrating socio-economic, political, technical, and institutional frameworks to facilitate job creation through treating waste.

“Treating waste as a valuable economic resource will not only lead to improved environmental aesthetic, reduced public health and environmental risks, but will also have significant economic benefits as it will provide opportunities for waste-based enterprises that will improve the livelihoods of local communities,” she said.

Ms Kereng said Botswana required a deliberate policy initiative to empower citizens to derive benefits from the waste sector hence the policy could not have come at a better time.

Successful implementation of the policy, she said, would require government’s coordinated efforts, communities and private sector to adopt and implement best environmental practices as well as best available technologies for a sustainable waste management sector.

She said the need for effective waste management approaches was to enhance human health and environmental integrity in ensuring an enabling environment for social and economic uplifting.

“The policy provides a waste management system that will be supported by a well-coordinated institutional framework to ensure an efficient, effective and economic efficiency including streamlining of activities of relevant institutions involved in waste management through review of existing legislation,” Minister Kereng said.

Again, she said the policy would ensure provision of infrastructure for environmentally sound management of all waste streams and guarantee access to waste management services through mobilisation of national and international funds to finance waste management infrastructure and services.

Minister Kereng further stated that the policy would provide a framework that supports the design of facilities and adoption of technologies to protect public health and the environment.

She said it would also mitigate improper waste management practices through promotion of research and innovation to enhance technology transfer through various strategies. ENDS