ESDO launches zero waste project for a cleaner environment

Dhaka, 14 September, 2020: The project aims to achieve its goal by establishing partnerships and links between the target communities, local government, and other relevant agencies

The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) has launched a project to turn three different localities into zero waste zones. The pilot project, “Building Zero Waste Communities for a Pollution-free Environment in Bangladesh,” was launched with a webinar on Saturday. The three targeted areas are Lalmatia block B and C, ward 25 of Rangpur City Corporation, and Bedgari village in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur. 

The project aims to achieve its goal by establishing partnerships and links between the target communities, local government, and other relevant agencies.

Under this project, ESDO will set up four waste composters, improve three existing waste disposal sites, and distribute waste bins at the household level. 

They will also set up two biogas plants in collaboration with IDCOLL. Vans, bins, rooftop gardens, demo organic plants, and biogas plants will be set up through community cost sharing. 

The project will follow the 4R system (Refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle). The project is being implemented with the support of Stiftung Auxilium Grafenauweg of Switzerland. 

ESDO Chairperson Syed Marghub Murshed said: “The main objective of the project is to assess the current waste management scenario and generate solutions by planning and testing zero waste mechanisms

“The ESDO team is committed to overcoming all challenges to come up with the best possible outcome for the project,” he added  

Addressing the webinar as chief guest, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said: “About 2500-3000 tons of waste is generated every day in the DNCC area. This waste can be used to produce electricity, biogas, and other valuables. DNCC will always stand beside those who are working to turn waste into an asset.”

Dr AKM Rafique Ahammed, director general of the Department of Environment (DoE), said they are developing E-waste management and solid waste management rules. The two sets of rules will come into effect later this year.

“Due to intervention of the World Trade Organization, the E waste management rules were delayed,” he said.

Regarding the failure of the 3r project, he said: “ We (DoE) provide policy  support. We regulate. We do not manage the waste directly.” 

He suggested that local governments should implement proper waste management systems.

Shibu K Nair, Indian coordinator of GAIA Asia Pacific, Dr. Shahriar Hossain, secretary general of ESDO, and Siddika Sultana, executive director of ESDO, were present at the webinar, among others.

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Posted by admin on Sep 14 2020. Filed under News at Now, Zero waste. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry