SHOPRITE LEADING THE IN FUNDING DISPOSAL OF SOLID WAST

By Hope Musonda

Sustainable management of waste is a significant global challenge and Zambia is no exception.

The Rapid raise in population and increased economic growth models are some of the factors that have led to increased generation of solid waste.

To this effect, ShopRite Zambia and the E.U Africa Rise under the Khusanka project are working towards transforming the status quo through a program dubbed “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)”

This program is targeting improving waste management systems in office buildings, learning institutions as well as households in Lusaka.

ShopRite is leading the way in funding the disposal of waste management.

And in an interview, Producer Responsibility organisation Manager for the E.U Africa Rise on the Kusanka Project, Mwansa Matokwani said over 120 bins have been distributed to residential areas in a bid to contain waste disposals and that members of the community are fully and actively participating in the program by keeping their surroundings clean.

Ms Matokwani revealed that the program has further been boosted by the launch of the ‘Sort and Shop’ campaign by ShopRite which allows residents to sort waste from the source and are awarded with ShopRite gift cards.

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One of the residents Josephine Mfuni said the program has impacted positive change in terms of cleanliness from the time it was introduced.

“I can see cleanliness within our surroundings because we have learnt not to disposal off plastics responsibly as we are making use of drums that have been provided for us” He said.

Another resident Chingabe Zulu highlighted how community members are keeping surroundings clean ahead of the rain season.

“This program has taught us the importance of cleanliness. The rains are gaining momentum and we are wary about any possible outbreak of Cholera”