PLASTIC WASTE RECOVERY CHALLENGE: ANAMBRA STATE GOVT TO REWARD CLEANEST COMMUNITY
REPORTER: PAMELA IGWE
Anambra State Government wants entrepreneurs to venture into turning waste into wealth and driving innovation in sustainable practices.
This will not only address the issue of plastic pollution but also stimulate economic development and job creation within communities.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, made the plea during the launch of the second edition of Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge in Awka.
Dr. Odimegwu explained that the 2024 Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge “is targeted at recovering 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste,” describing it as a call for citizens to take responsibility of their environment.
According to the Commissioner, the challenge will engage 176 communities in the state to see the community that will collect the highest volume of plastic waste.
The Commissioner hinted that government would reward the cleanest community with one million naira.
Dr. Odimegwu said the initiative would create indirect jobs in the industrial and environmental sectors, fostering employment opportunities for youths and women across the state.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim while officially kick-starting the Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge said “recycling to zero waste approach means that every waste material can be sold and generate wealth.”
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for setting up waste recycling factories in the state, calling on citizens to take advantage of the initiative to make wealth for themselves.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
