Waste management in Namibia not up to scratch
This year's national clean-up campaign was celebrated last Saturday, themed "Namibia, healthy and clean", and addresses the global waste crisis.According to the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia launched its first national clean-up operation on May 25, 2018, which marked a turning point in commitment to environmental conservation.
Shifeta said the current waste management situation in Namibia is not satisfactory. According to him, many settlements, villages, cities and towns do not have proper dump sites and instead use simple landfills for waste disposal. "We are aware of efforts by some local authorities to find alternative ways to dispose of municipal and household waste, but this is still a major obstacle. There is room for improvement in waste collection in informal areas."
In Swakopmund, there was also a clean-up under the bridge towards Walvis Bay.
"It was reported to the town council that a homeless camp had been set up under the bridge. Unfortunately, this led to garbage dumping and damage to the natural environment in the area," the municipality said.
In light of this, committed community workers gathered on site to clean up the area.
"We are aware of the homeless situation of these people and are in contact with the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate and resolve this matter. Our goal is to find compassionate solutions for everyone involved."