Mbarara authorities move to avert another Kiteezi disaster in their area
Mbarara City is set to launch an aggressive initiative to revolutionize its garbage disposal practices and promote environmental sustainability to avert a devastating waste management crisis .
City officials say they are acutely aware of the potential consequences of inadequate waste management, and they are mobilizing resources and partnerships with investors to implement effective solutions that will safeguard the health and well-being of their community.
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Lydia Mutibwa , the principal health officer in charge of environmental issues, underscored a strategic plan aimed at enhancing waste management across all sectors.
Mbarara City is issuing notices to business owners, mandating them to sort their waste at the source.
To support this initiative, the city has placed color-coded bins in business areas to encourage the separation of organic and inorganic waste, a critical step in reducing overall garbage volume and promoting recycling.
City authorities have consistently brought the issue of waste management to the forefront at all council meetings, underscoring its significance and urgency.
Officials emphasize that addressing waste management is not just a matter of sanitation but a crucial public health concern that requires immediate attention and action.
However, the city faces significant challenges, particularly in managing medical waste.
Mutibwa expressed concern over medical facilities that are improperly disposing of hazardous waste in undesignated areas, which poses serious public health risks.
"We are mapping all medical facilities to ensure they are aligned with accredited medical solid waste service providers within the city," she stated, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight and compliance.
Currently, Mbarara City works with nine solid waste service providers responsible for transporting and collecting garbage.
Unfortunately, illegal operators complicate the situation by dumping waste indiscriminately and blocking roads, which undermines the city’s efforts.
Mbarara City mayor, Robert Kakyebezi, a city official, announced that three companies have been engaged to add value to the city’s garbage.
One company plans to convert waste into coal by 2028, while two others will focus on transforming it into fertilizer. “We have fought hard to make people understand how to manage their garbage. Sorting at the source is essential for effective waste segregation,” Kakyebezi emphasized.
With these initiatives, Mbarara City is determined to learn from the Kiteezi crisis and take significant steps to ensure that a similar disaster does not occur in their community.
