The Anambra State government has launched an operation geared towards recovering 100,000 tonnes of waste plastics to curb pollution in the society.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Felix Odimegwu, stated this during the launch of the exercise in Awka. He said the ministry has set an ambitious target to recover 100,000 tonnes of plastic wastes around the state.
The launch is themed, ‘All Anambra Community Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge’, and is in its second year, after last year’s event exceeded its target by raking in over 10,000 tonnes of plastics.
Plastic waste have been found to be a major source of environmental pollution in the country.
The commissioner said the initiative would create 5,000 indirect jobs for Anambra youths and women.
“Last year, 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 beloved Anambra State.
“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.
“This year, we have set an ambitious target to recover 100,000 tonnes. Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge 2.0′ will cover 197 communities, structured into urban, semi-rural, and rural areas.
“Additionally, we actually target to create at least, 5,000 indirect jobs, for Anambra youths and women in three months in the industrial and environmental sectors, fostering economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability,” Odimegwu said.