Garbage is cash rather than a problem to Government-Minister of Local Government
GULU – While local governments grapple with garbage collection and disposal management, the Ministry of Local Government intends to invest in garbage for money rather than take it for a problem.
Raphael Magyezi, the Minster of Local Government has implored the local Governments to turn garbage into cash through investment in manufacturing and recycling.
Addressing the stakeholders in Gulu shortly after commissioning the sanitation facilities, Magezi says, there is a huge opportunity for the government in garbage than looking at it as a problem.
He explained that the garbage can be turned into organic manures or feeds for both animals and poultry while others can be recycled.
“Garbage isn’t a problem to the country but the problem is that we are failing to invest in it and this is the area we need as local governments to put resources into,” Magezi added.
He urged investors to take advantage of investment in the City which he says, has become a centre of attraction for people looking at its rapid transformation a few years later after the armed conflict.
However, among other projects being commissioned include; the construction of a drainage channel at Pece Stream, hand washing facilities and toilets in the 27 schools within the City and a handover of the garbage trucks and skips.
The different projects were funded by the German Commercial Bank through Fitchner worth Shs.7 billion.
Robert Towler, the Team Leader Fitchner explained that the German government has developed a long-term strategic plan for supporting the City on Water and Sanitation.
The City with a projected population of 500,000 residents generates 130 tons of wastes per day but the daily collection only stands at 40 tons leaving piles of garbage in public places that include; markets, schools while others end up in trenches and streams.
Alfred Okwonga, the Gulu City Mayor is hopeful that the daily collection of the garbage in the City will scale up to 80 tons with donation of five new trucks.
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He commended the German government for supporting the sanitation and hygiene in the City, saying the City still grapples with water and sanitation challenges that need more attention with resource mobilization.
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