Integrated Waste Management Policy approved

Acting Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Machana Shamukuni says his ministry developed the Integrated Waste Management Policy together with a detailed implementation strategy and Plan which was approved by Cabinet in April 2021.

Shamukuni revealed that the policy provides for conducive environment that promotes waste recovery and recycling initiatives through activities such as at source segregation of waste which is in line with international best practice. The Minister indicated that a policy is expected to be presented to Parliament for approval during the current sitting. “Integrated Waste Management Bill is also underway. Furthermore, the ministry on the 3rd June this year launched a pilot programme on waste segregation at source within the Government Enclave involving seven ministries, and it is working together with local companies dealing with waste. The programme is supported by United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP) and will be rolled out to other ministries and other sectors,” Shamukuni told Parliament.

He stated that the ministry is planning to host a waste management Pitso when the COVID- 19 restrictions have been eased, where the ministry will be engaging the wider stakeholders on waste recycling, in particular emphasis on waste segregation at source. He said that Botswana has an opportunity to recycle waste on a sustainable basis if separation at source is improved and mainstreamed in the ministry’s management system.

S h amu - kuni was responding to a question from MP for JwanengMabutsane, Mephato Reatile who wanted the Minister to state progress regarding compliance with international waste segregation standards; and whether there is a budget or Department geared at waste management education for households and businesses.