NGO Enlightens Buea Council Staff on Effective Waste Management, Climate Change Mitigation

By Sandrine Akeabeh

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A Buea-based non-profit organization, Nature’s Breath (NAB), has enlightened the staff of Buea Council and some youth within the municipality on effective waste management and climate change mitigation techniques. This was during a workshop organized recently by Nature’s Breath (NAB), with participants including secondary school and university students/ graduates, teachers and environmentalist from molyko, Clerks Quarters, Buea town, Campaign Street, Great Soppo, Bokwango, Mile 16, Muea etc.

The Founder/President of NAB, Barr. Luma Fred, made an in-depth presentation on the
implementation of Law No 96/12 of 5th August 1996 relating to environmental Management.
“Waste should be treated in an ecologically rational manner in order to curb and eliminate its
dangerous effects on human health and the environment,” he said. The increase in the amount of household waste generated and management challenges in the Buea municipality were attributed to massive population growth in the area and urbanization. The challenges in waste management in Buea was blamed on lack of knowledge on effective waste management and disposal, hence, the need for sustainable waste management and solutions.

Dr Asong Fred, Waste Management Researcher and Lecturer at the Department of
Environmental Science, University of Buea, noted that “waste is not waste per se, but a resource
and if it is a resource, then it beckons efficient and sustainable management’’. Participants were
taken through an experiential learning session on poor waste management and environmental
impacts, types of waste management practices and techniques of disposal: sorting out of organic
waste from solid waste before disposal of waste.

“Community support for waste management is most effective when a capacity development
approach is adopted, promoting positive systemic changes and sustainability. Waste management
can benefit the most vulnerable in the society and promote social inclusion and cohesion” Mr.
Leslie Emeh Njume, Environment and Process Engineering Research Consultant and Trainer,
added.

It was noted that the ozone layer depletion , increase in droughts , mortality rate, loss of
agricultural productivity , food security, loss of habitat for fauna and flora species and livestock
and biodiversity and some of the negative effects of poor waste management.
Participants expressed satisfaction and pledged to share with their communities the knowledge
acquired as well as champion effective waste management campaigns in their communities and
surroundings for a sustainable environment.

“Waste segregation is something I didn’t consider important until now. It makes recycling easy and helps us control our waste output as well as reduce risk of bacteria spread on the streets , awful odors, ensure clean air and quality well being’’ said a participant.

Waste management remains a serious problem in the Buea Municipality and around the world.
Continuous awareness and sensitization on waste management through workshops and other
means will play a vital role towards ensuring environmental sustainability.