Anambra Government Ready To Implement Ban On Single Use Plastics
By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
Anambra State government through the state ministry of environment in partnership with the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), is ready to implement ban on single use plastics, such as Styrofoam and similar products, to address the issue of plastic pollution and protect our environment.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu disclosed this at the 2024 launching of the All-Anambra Community Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0.
“We are committed to enabling Anambra people to uphold the 5Rs of the circular economy: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. This initiative aligns with our goal of creating a sustainable environment and fostering responsible consumption and production.
“Last year, in 2023, we embarked on an ambitious journey with the first edition of the Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge. It was a groundbreaking initiative that mobilized communities, fostered environmental awareness, and achieved remarkable success in tackling plastic pollution across our beloved Anambra State.
” Our target was to recover 10,000 Tonnes of plastic waste, but thanks to the overwhelming participation and dedication of our communities, we exceeded that goal, recovering over 10,000 Tonnes. This significant impact filled us with hope and determination.
“Today, as we launch the second edition of this challenge, we do so with renewed energy and an even greater resolve to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Anambra for ourselves and future generations.
“This year’s challenge, Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0,” builds on the solid foundation we laid last year. It is a testament to our collective will to make a lasting difference.
The commissioner affirmed that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time as it threatens our ecosystems, wildlife, and even our health.
“However, we have seen firsthand the power of community action. We have seen that when individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations unite, we can effectively combat plastic waste.
“The “Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0” is more than just a campaign; it is a movement.
It is a call to action for every Anambra citizen to take responsibility for our environment. It is a challenge to each of us to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
It is an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the importance of sustainable practices and the impact of plastic pollution.
This year, we have set an ambitious target to recover 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste. We believe that with your continued support and dedication, we can achieve and even surpass this goal.
The challenge will once again engage our communities in a spirited competition to see the communities that can collect the most plastic waste. It will involve awareness programs, cleanup drives, and innovative solutions to plastic waste management.
Engr Odimegwu charged all the 179 Communities that constitute the state to key into the programme, noting that the Ministry in collaboration with other partners will recognize and reward the efforts of those Communities who go above and beyond in their commitment to a cleaner Anambra.
“The prizes for this year’s challenge are one million Naira (First Prize), five hundred thousand Naira (second Prize), and two hundred and fifty thousand Naira (Third Prize). The initiative will create indirect jobs in the industrial and environmental sectors, fostering economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability,” he noted.
Earlier, Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, while flagging off the exercise, urged the citizenry to become environmental advocates by internalising the habits of managing and disposing waste properly.
Presenting their goodwill messages, the Provost, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, NOCEN, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu, the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority, ASWAMA, Mike Ozoemena, his Operation Clean and
Healthy Anambra, OCHA-Brigade counterpart, Celestine Anere, among others, expressed optimism about the project and noted that the challenge will help clean the environment, provide economic opportunities for plastic waste recyclers, and create awareness about the importance of recycling plastics.
Students at St. Lucy Secondary School, Ifite – Awka, and St. John Vianney Secondary School, Igbariam, made presentations on waste management and recycling.
The occasion was climaxed with a road show led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ibezim to create awareness on plastic pick-up with all participants, which started at the state secretariat and ended at the secretariat junction.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
