Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament of Builsa South
Member of Parliament of Builsa South, Clement Apaak has said that government should consider banning plastics as one of the ways to manage waste in the country.
According to him, the ban will go a long way to address waste challenges in the country if it’s backed with effective plastic policy.
In a statement read in parliament by Clement Apaak, it was revealed that plastic waste has been a major concern in the waste stream especially in the low income countries.
Poor waste management across many middle and low income countries means they dominate the source of global ocean plastics pollution.
Overall, approximately 80 percent of ocean plastics come from land based sources and 20 percent marine.
Plastic pollution is having a severe negative impact on the health of our oceans and wildlife.
Also, contaminated oceans and waterways have negative impact on health of people.
The Builsa MP expressed worry about government’s failure to take a bold decision on waste management.
He suggested that government must adopt an effective policy and planning. This he says may include a ban on some plastics or an outright ban on all plastics. He however indicated that ban on plastics alone cannot solve the plastic challenge but with an effective plastic policy, waste management can be controlled in the country.
He also called for an improved solid waste management system which includes investing in sustainable disposal infrastructure and improving waste collection systems.
He adds that Recycling and community campaigns must be considered in the fight for effective waste management.
“As we face increasing waste and litter, we could look at improving our waste management system overall. This could include investing in sustainable disposal infrastructure, and improving waste.
Our plastic waste can be put to productive use recycled plastic can be used as filler for cement blocks, ropes, basket, mats and bag. By using plastic waste for products with monetary value, citizens are incentivized to collect plastics.” He said
He urged government to initiate a community campaign to increase awareness with citizens to consequently engage them and change their behavior towards managing plastics waste.
