NAKAWA-The State Minister for Kampala , Hon Kabuye Kyofatogabye has commended the residents of Acholi quarters and Kifumbira in Nakawa Division, Kampala District for their innovations aimed at conserving the environment at the same time providing employment.
“Lets remind ourselves that the garbage and plastics you’re dumping in the drainage systems is wealth. You can use these waste products to make more money out of them through making Composite fertilizers, Brickets and glasses as we have seen some people.” Remarked Kabuye while opening the workshop entitled ‘Support to Environment Defenders in informal sectors of Kampala’ held at God Care community School in Acholi Quarters on Tuesday.
The Minster also emphasized that he came up to support this initiative because its key in safeguarding Kampala’s drainage systems.
“It’s our duty as people of Kampala, to ensure that there is responsible waste management and not leave it to only KCCA. So many people have come up with solutions and innovations aimed at conserving the environment but have been lacking the necessary support from Authorities.”
Kyofa further added that once supported very well, this program will provide employment to over 30,000 Ghetto people who will be engaged in bottle collection and other related activities.
Joel Cordinator for this project revealed that this program which is being financed by USAID and other partners has kicked from Nakawa Division and it will be spread all over Kampala district with in a few months with a view of providing positive results as far as environmental conservation is concerned.
“It’s a starting point for the cleaning campaign happening in December. Women’s and youth groups have been trained in having lasting solutions for the environment. We are training leaders not only environmental defenders but also the community representatives.”
He added that they came on board in order to provide support to the people of Kifumbira to ensure that they succeed in all their plans.
Ritah Aliguma , the founder of Aliguma Foundation noted that this is just the beginning, but they are going to move to many other communities motivating people on proper garbage and plastic waste management.
“We have started in Acholi Quarters and Kifumbira but we are going to visit many other areas preaching the same gospel.”
She added that as Aliguma Foundation who have a football pitch with in Kinawataka area , have suffered with flooding as a result poor waste disposal which leads to endless postponement of many of their activities.
At this event , the community members under went through skilling programs by Aliguma Foundation, CIDI, Makerere University and showcased their innovations and products they have come up with from utilization of their acquired skills.
The meeting was addressed with a view of addressing plastic waste management in informal settlements, enhancing community-led recycling and waste reduction efforts collaborative solutions for flood prevention and health risks due to waste accumulation exploring new and existing sustainable waste management initiatives.
