Improper disposal of diapers worries chief
Ivy Matlho | Tuesday August 11, 2015 13:02
Speaking during the Selebi-Phikwe clean-up campaign held at Ikageleng ward on Friday, Mosweu said that the way daipers are disposed of around Selebi-Phikwe is worrisome.
He said that the improper disposal of diapers does not only affect human health but also animals, which we rely on for meat.
“Some people end up losing their lives because they fail to dispose of waste properly. Those who have children and sick people who use diapers should make sure they dispose of them properly,” he said.
Acting Safety and Health manager (SHE) at Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines, Badiri Motlaleng also expressed his concern over the improper disposal of waste. He said that the community and all stakeholders must join hands and fight littering.
“We should partner and save our environment,” said Motlaleng. Motlaleng also said in the last three years there have been significant changes in human lives. He said that this change was brought about by infrastructure development, especially in the major towns, which have presented a new challenge to humans. He said that there is currently a massive development of waste caused by different industries, which requires all individuals to take action and ensure that the environment remains clean.
“There is human and infrastructure development, especially in major towns and cities but these developments have, however, presented new challenges to the human race as there is a massive generation of waste. As an individual you should contribute to the protection of the environment,” he said.
He also stated that individuals should come up with alternatives to address the issue of improper waste management in a more profitable way. Motlaleng said that the introduction and promotion of the Three - Rs being Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is the key to sustainable waste management.
“The Three - Rs ensure production of less waste generation and the best use of our resources and having a more positive impact on the environment,” he said.
He said that indiscriminate littering with diapers is uncalled for and action must be taken against those who do so.
“People who relieve themselves in bushes and those throwing diapers along the roadsides do not only contaminate the environment, they also affect our livestock, which we rely on for beef. The Botswana Meat Commission has also been concerned by this as livestock ends up affected by measles,” he said. As a way of ensuring that the environment is clean. Motlaleng said that departments should come up with strategies to manage waste. He said that waste management is one of the top priorities at the Debswana mines.
“Debswana as a waste producer follows up on the waste generated until the final stage of disposal so that we monitor if the waste is safely disposed of,” he said.