1 November 2005
editorial
That cabinet has approved a ban on free distribution of light plastic bags is a welcome development. Given the level of littering and environmental pollution in Botswana, the ban is long overdue. Though Botswana has long enacted the requisite waste management laws, particularly the Waste Management Act of 1998, it was only recently that the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism started moving steadily to give that law the appropriate bite.
The First Lady, Barbara Mogae has relentlessly been waging the waste management campaign almost single handedly, with little support from the relevant arms of government. It nevertheless appears her efforts are finally paying off as some government departments are waking up from their deep slumber on environmental issues.
Certain local authorities and private companies should be commended for taking an initiative in waste management. Specifically, the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council and the local business community must be commended and encouraged for piloting the campaign on the sale of thicker plastic carry bags at the beginning of this year.
In mid-September, the ministry in charge of the environment launched an ambitious clean-up campaign. At the time we expressed optimism that this would not be a one-off event but a sustained effort if it were to make any meaningful impact.
Unfortunately, the momentum seems to have been lost along the way.But given the high level of littering in the country, the momentum needs to be sustained and increased. For the litter scourge to be brought under control, laws must be invoked to effectively penalise the culprits.
In fact new rules and laws can be introduced to include other forms of waste in addition to the plastic bags. Though there have been commendable efforts to collect cans, the problem from this end of littering is still big.
Perhaps, the monetary incentives offered for returned cans are not sufficient. It could be time that the beverage industry starts shifting the emphasis to returnable bottles.Attention must also be obviously paid to anti-litter public education. If ever there is an area in which Batswana seems to act very strangely, it is on littering.
But there is a need to pull together to deal with littering and environmental pollution.
Today's Thought
It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us.
- Epicurus
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