Anambra State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Anambra State Waste Recycliers Association (ASWRA), has targeted to recover one hundred thousand tonnes of plastic waste for recycling in the state.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Engr Felix Odimegwu, disclosed this in his address during the official flagged off of All Anambra Communities Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0.held at the State Secretariat Awka, on Thursday.
He said the initiative will create five thousand indirect job for the three-month period.
According to him, the flagged-off ceremony of the “All Anambra Communities Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0 is once united by a shared commitment to the preservation and protection of our environment.
“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 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.
Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. 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.
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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.
He listed the prizes to include one million naira for the first runner, five hundred thousand naira for the second runner and two hundred and fifty thousand naira for the third prize respectively.
The recovery exercise was kicked off by the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
Others present at the event include representatives of Plastic Waste Associations, Traditional Rulers, the Transition Committee Chairmen of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Standley Nkwoka, ASWAMA boss, Mike Ozemena, and students, among others.
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