MANAGING solid waste at the Western Provincial capital of Gizo remains a huge challenge for the responsible authorities which needs collective effort to address it.
Thats the view of twenty-eight (28) year old Sumana Deni who works as a Waste to Wealth Program Coordinator with Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) based in Gizo.
Speaking to the paper in an interview, she said, there are still challenges that need to be addressed by the responsible authorities in dealing with waste disposal in Gizo.
She said, waste management especially wastes from plastics, tins and cans had been a big challenge in Gizo when it comes to its disposal.
The careless attitude by children and even adults to dispose their rubbish and plastic wastes at the right place has been very challenging because it leads to an unhealthy environment.
“Young children need to be educated at the early age about the importance of managing their wastes and disposing them at the right place,” she said.
Ms Deni highlighted some of the negative impacts of having poor waste management system in the communities.
Some of them are;
•Contamination of water, streams, drains, and wells;
•Pollution of soil;
•Air contamination Pollution of marine environments;
•Decline in biodiversity;
•Health Risks (Transmission of diseases, Respiratory issues, Skin irritation and infections, Waterborne illnesses, and Rising healthcare expenses);
•Financial Strain;
•Decline in Tourism;
•Decreased Agricultural Output;
•Higher Healthcare Expenses;
•Economic Impact of Waste;
•Visual Deterioration;
•Unpleasant Surroundings; and
•Decreased Property Worth.
She said, the Gizo Town Council has successfully relocated the landfill area located at District Area, west of Gizo town to Mile 5.
“By moving it away from residential neighbourhood it is situated further from the sea. Previously, Gizo faced significant challenges with a large amount of rubbish at the dumpsite, which posed health risks to nearby residents and was too close to the access road.”
She said, overall, the responsible authorities have done a commendable job managing the disposal site in Gizo town.
However, she pointed out there are still a few challenges that need to be addressed.
Some of these challenges are;
– Lack of rubbish bins provided for residents, particularly in the town area;
– All businesses should install bins at their store entrances, as they contribute significantly to the waste generated in our community.
– There should be consequences for individuals who carelessly litter in public spaces.
– Households should be encouraged to segregate their waste and manage it properly before it reaches the dump site.
“While the authorities have made progress in controlling the disposal site in Gizo town, further improvements are necessary,” she said.
She also acknowledged the plastic ban regulation imposed by the government which helps to control plastic waste in the communities.
“I fully agree that the ban on single-use plastics significantly reduces the amount of waste in Gizo and its surrounding communities.
“My experience clearly shows that this measure leads to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
“This banning thing represents a significant achievement by the government in efforts to reduce and manage waste in our communities.
“While it is an important step in addressing plastic waste, it is only part of a larger solution.
“Continued effort and support from the community are essential for it to be fully effective,” she said.
In Gizo, it’s an eye sore to see wastes like plastics bottles and cans from empty beers, used diapers, plastic bags and other solid materials being dumped into the ocean.
Most times these wastes ended up at the coasts and littered the beach-side and mangroves.
The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Conservation Environment and Conservation has taken steps to ban all single use plastic products as of March 2024.
Some of these included plastic shopping bags, 500ml water bottles, disposal plates, spoons and cups.
And this had brought some relief to the environment.
However, Ms Deni thinks other solid wastes like butane gas bottles should also be banned.
“If butane bottles do not implement any recycling measures, I strongly recommend that they be banned.
“Many people use portable stoves for indoor and outdoor cooking. Additionally, there have been numerous house fires caused by the overheating of butane gas bottles, posing a significant danger to lives.
“The more people who use butane bottle gas, the greater the volume of bottles being consumed, which leads to increased waste that is detrimental to our environment,” she said.
Parliament in 2023 also discussed the idea to ban the importation of butane gas bottles into the country because of its negative environmental implication.
Ms Deni who graduated with Diploma in Public Health therefore suggested some solutions and control measures to address the growing problem of waste in Gizo town and the coastal communities.
1. Minimizing Waste Generation
We can take proactive steps to significantly reduce the amount of waste we produce. This includes adopting practices such
as minimizing single-use items—something we currently implement through our waste repurposing unit, composting, and waste collection program.
We also encourage opting for digital alternatives to paper and using coconut and pandanus baskets at the market. By making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can all contribute to creating a more sustainable environment.
2. Advocating Recycling and Reuse
Promoting the importance of recycling and reusing items is crucial in our effort to conserve resources and reduce landfill waste. This involves not only educating the community on proper recycling practices but also encouraging innovative ways to repurpose items. Initiatives like swap events, up-cycling workshops, and local buy-back programs can make a significant impact.
3. Enhancing Waste Management Infrastructure
It’s essential to improve our waste management systems to handle waste more efficiently and effectively. This can involve investing in modern facilities that can process recycling more accurately, setting up composting programs for organic waste, and implementing technology that tracks waste diversion rates. A robust infrastructure ensures that waste is managed responsibly, benefiting both the environment and the community.
4. Raising public awareness through education and community engagement.
Raising public awareness about the importance of sustainability is key to creating a lasting change. This can be achieved through a variety of educational programs, workshops, and community events that teach people about the impact of waste and the benefits of adopting eco-friendly habits.
By fostering a spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm, we can engage the community in meaningful discussions and actions that lead to a greener future.
Despite the challenges Ms Deni and her team at Positive Change for Marine Life continues to advocate for a healthy marine and land eco-system by conducting a number of activities like recycling of wastes and conducting awareness at rural communities.
By MOFFAT MAMU
