10 Apr 2022

 In a quest to ensure a clean environment and surroundings, the Old Naledi residents came out in high numbers to pick litter in their locality.

The litter picking exercise was part of the Fill Up The Bag Campaign’ Litter picking campaign organised by Gaborone City Council (GCC), to make money from garbage.

Kickstarting the campaign on Thursday, the Gaborone City Mayor, Father Maphongo emphasised the need to keep the environment clean as well as generate income for individuals. Each bag of unsegregated waste gets P30 and P40 for a bag of segregated and recyclable waste.

Mayor Maphongo said it was important for the city to be clean because “a clean environment is  healthy”.

He further called on everyone to participate in preserving the environment and Old Naledi residents to report those who litter to relevant authorities.

The cleanup campaign, in partnership with waste management companies and residents, would ensure that waste benefits those who deal with it, adding that the campaign would be held every three months.

For his part, the Training manager for Cleanico Waste Management, Mr Chris Gabana said they buy litter from communities, adding that making money from litter was a growing phenomenon, as governments, international agencies and companies pour investment capital into green projects.

He said that would reduce trash and also turn existing garbage into useful by-products that could be sold for profit.

According to Mr Gabana the focus was on waste reduction and management of dirt effectively.

Mr Gabana said for most common box sizes, one could expect to make between P1.65 per kilogramme, adding that one could make up to P15 000 per month with selling litter, adding however that prices vary as the waste has to be weighed.

He said they bought paper, cans, cardboard, plastics and glass, adding that waste paper could be recycled to create new different raw materials.

A Business manager for Somarelang Tikologo, Mr Boniface Olubayo stressed that litter was reusable, therefore everyone should ensure that they make money with litter to elevate their lives.

For his part, Old Naledi South Councillor, Gopolang Montsho applauded GCC for their efforts to keep the city clean and encouraged participants to continue keeping a clean environment.

The campaign saw the young and old thronging the Old Naledi grounds to help ensure that they keep Gaborone clean since it was the heart of the country. ENDS